Christian W. (Bill) Schmidt (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Christian “Bill” William Schmidt was born January 16, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, to Christian and Sylvia Fredricson Schmidt. He departed this life on Thursday, October 31, 2024 in Hartville Care Center in Hartville, Missouri. He was ninety-seven years, nine months and fifteen days of age.
Bill was raised in Michigan and was active in the Boy Scouts. When he was seventeen, he forged his mother’s name to allow him to enlist in the United States Navy in 1944. He served in World War II and went on mission with American Polar Explorer and Aviator, Richard Byrd, to the South Pole. Their mission was to study the possibility of placing a military base at the South Pole.
Following his service with the Navy, Bill returned home and earned his Bachelor’s degree from UCLA. He went to work as a Geologist.
In 1963, Bill was united in marriage to Nancy and together they raised six wonderful children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy; and two grandsons, James Schmidt and Travis Geddes.
He is survived by his daughters, Karen Idelman and her husband Chuck of Roswell, New Mexico, Dayna Jewson of St. Louis, Missouri and Susie Schmidt and Barb of Medford, Oregon; three sons, Mike Schmidt and his wife Leaschia of Grovespring, Missouri, William “Bill” Schmidt and his wife Marilyn of Huntington Beach, California and Rick Geddes and his wife Cindy of Reno, Nevada; five grandchildren, Joe, Angela, Eric, Jason and Tracy; and a number of great-grandchildren; and many, many friends.
Bill served on the USS Brownsen while in the Navy and was involved in Operation High Jump from December of 1946 to April of 1947. He was a proud member of the USS Brownsen Club. He was a hard worker and was not a quitter. He was loyal and loved his country.
In 1971, Bill and Nancy moved to the Grovespring, Missouri area where they had a 1,000 acre farm and raised cattle. He began selling insurance in 1974 and retired in 1999.
In his spare time, he enjoyed classical music, sports and fishing.
He and Nancy were active members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lebanon, Missouri. Their church family was like a second family to them.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He took great joy in creating lasting memories with them.
Bill was a man whose life was defined by service and leadership. He had a zest for adventure that will continue to inspire all who knew him. His memory will be treasured in the hearts of his family, friends and the many lives he touched.
A memorial has been established to Wounded Warriors and donations may be left at the funeral home.
A Memorial Service for Bill Schmidt will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lebanon, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Miller officiating.
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