Roy Schmidt Obituary

Beloved brother died suddenly on August 24, 2024 at the age of 74 years.

Born on June 16, 1950 to the late Lyle and Arlene (Putnam) Schmidt in Saginaw; he graduated from Hemlock High School, the class of 1968. Roy was a life-long happy Hemlockian. Roy worked for Card Brothers, Bierlein Demolition (over 22 years!), and Kenny Brothers Farms- where you’d find him happily on the bulldozer, excavator or around as their resident comedian. Roy worked the day before he died. None of his physical limitations could keep him from a good day’s work. Roy excelled in carpentry, plumbing, electrician work, welding, tool maker and machine repair! Even with all those skills, he still had quite an artistic flare.

Roy’s greatest passion was for farming. From a very young age he could be found on a tractor or in the barns caring for livestock on the family farm in Hemlock. He was grounded by the earth and enjoyed watching the crops grow. He would often say: “Listen, can you hear the corn growing?” to the delight of family and friends. Roy planted huge vegetable gardens, and you could find him hoeing and tending to his plants every evening. Sharing the fruits of his labor with others gave Roy much joy. He was a generous man, giving of his possessions and time. 

In 1967 Roy became a member of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs in Hemlock, following in the footsteps of his grandparents. He served this organization in many capacities. Roy served as Grand Patriarch of Michigan in 2018-2019. He lived by the Odd Fellow ideals of friendship, love and truth. His special devotion was raising money for those in need.

Roy was a member of the LaPorte Gun Club. He enjoyed teaching gun safety, and working with young enthusiasts of the sport. He was also an avid deer hunter.

Larger than life, Roy enjoyed being around people. You knew you were special if he gave you a nickname. He possessed a great sense of humor, and had an infectious laugh that no one could deny. Roy laughed with his entire soul, and couldn’t help but make those around him smile. He drew people into his life, enjoying spending time with his many friends.

Living out in the country and on the farm, logically Roy loved country music and watching old western movies and TV shows. As a Michigander, he was an avid University of Michigan Football fan.

Roy had a special relationship with his God. He tried to live what he believed, seeking understanding of what it was God was asking of his life. His devotion was profound. Roy’s philosophy was: you live by the hourglass. When you are born it is turned over and the grains of sand begin to fall. Each person is given a certain amount of grains. As the grains of sand fall into the bottom of the glass; you must make the very best of the life you are given because when the last grain has fallen, your time here is over. 

Roy touched many lives and he will be greatly missed by all those who touched his life. His laughter, jokes, generosity, and friendship made him memorable. No one can forget how he answered the phone: “Come on”. Then there were his favorite expressions: “Ain’t that a son of a b****” or “King me”. Roy, wherever you are, you have been Kinged, and know it has been written on the wall.

Survived by his brother and confidant, Ronald Schmidt, sister Janine (Michelle) Schmidt-Gummere, children: Angelia Schmidt, Andy Schmidt, brother-in-law Warren Hilbrandt, St., nieces and nephews: Donald (Katherine) Hilbrandt, Darelene (Michael) Blackmer, John Lohrstorfer, Warren Hilbradt Jr., and many other relatives, friends, work family, neighbors and the dachshunds he lovingly referred to as his “grandchildren” Maximus “Maxis” Milton and Ruby “Rubis” Marie Schmidt-Gummere whom he adored and they in turn loved their grandpa. Roy’s good nature made it hard for him to meet a stranger.

Greeting Roy in Heaven are his parents, Lyle and Arlen (Putnam) Schmidt, grandparents: William and Julia Schmidt, John and Bessie Putnam, brother Dwight Schmidt, sister Diane (Schmidt) Hildbrandt, uncle Charles Putnam and aunt Maxine Reisig, all his family of Hemlock. He was also predeceased by his best friend and constant companion “Me” his cat.

A celebration of Roy’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024 at his beloved farm. Be sure to bring your favorite memories of Roy to share. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors. Please share your words of condolences with the family at 

www.casefuneralhome.com

**Roy is gone, but he will always be remembered**