Harold J. Schmidt, 81 of Plymouth, died September 24, 2022, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Hospital, Mishawaka, of complications from cancer.
He was born in Winamac Indiana to Frank and Marie (Dillenburg) Schmidt and was one of ten children. He grew up in Monterey, Indiana where he attended Culver High School and later graduated from Purdue University where he met his future wife Patricia ‘Pat’ Meehan. They would wed in Carmel, Indiana on January 30, 1965.
Harold and Pat moved to Plymouth, Indiana and had three children. He worked for Standard Oil (Amoco/BP Oil) after graduating from Purdue in their agricultural division before moving into a jobber position where he interacted with station owners in the northern third of Indiana and lower portions of Michigan up to his retirement.
Harold was passionate about his golf game. He volunteered his time in the community with the Boy Scouts of America, taking people to medical appointments, and in schools in Plymouth and Monterey. He was a longtime little league coach at all levels and is best remembered for his exuberant attitude and flamboyant hats. He also spent a significant amount of time behind the plate as an umpire for women’s softball. He spent a great deal of time with his grandchildren. Harold was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and the Plymouth Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his children: Frank (Kerry) Schmidt of Lafayette, Marilyn Byers of Argos, and Kevin Schmidt (Stephanie) of Elkhart; grandchildren: Kaylee Schmidt, Bobby & Jamie Byers, and Abby Schmidt; 4 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Margaret Stukenborg of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tom Schmidt (Rhea) of Monterey, Rose Schmidt of Plymouth, and Cathy Eley (Frank Foster) of Argos; and 4 sisters-in-law.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife Patricia in 2014, his parents, his brothers: Paul, John, Bill, Jim and Rick Schmidt and his in-laws.
Family and friends are welcome from 10-12 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 611 N. Center Street, Plymouth. Mass will follow at 12 p.m. noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael Church, 612 N. Walnut Street, Plymouth or Humane Society of Marshall Co, PO Box 22, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Caryn Durski, Funeral Director
Ed Barcus says
Marilyn and Family,
Sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Amber Pittman says
I’m so sorry for your loss he was my greatest laughter on the weekends I cleaned.
Shirley Gidley says
Sure feel sorry for all of you. We had such great conversations and we loved the jabs that we had with different topics!
May each of you know that he will be missed.
God bless and May he be received in heaven with smiles and love.
Kathy Alexander says
Peace be with you Harold. If when a greeter at Mass or running into you anywhere, you always brightened my day. You will be sincerely missed. My condolences to Harold’s Family and Friends.
Ron and Janet Smith says
Sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He was a good friend, and golfer. He will be missed. Harold was one of a kind, gave his time to many. Jeff remembers his coaching and fun times. Hold onto the great family memories.
Ronald Smith says
sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. A good friend and golfer.
He will be missed. One of a kind, giving time and care to others. Hold onto the great family memories.
Ron & Janet
Nenneth Klinedinst says
Schmidt family,condolences to your family. He was one of a kind,have good memories of him connected to baseball 💗
Kelli Condon Reed says
My gosh, the times spent laughing with the Schmidt family goes WAY back. Harold was one of a kind!!! He was firm but fair. His laugh contagious. My Dad loved catching up with Harold on their visits back to Plymouth and always commented on his kindness and gosh he was just flat out funny. I know he’s happy to be back with Pat and they are already laughing and bickering. Big hugs, prayers and condolences for his family.
Kelli Condon Reed
Larry Kathryn Cassidy says
The Cassidy family has many found memories of Harold,Pat and the boys. Baseball from C league,travel,and high school! The blueberry tournament was also lots of fun! Harold was so nice to Velma (Mauder). Kathy’s mom when they would meet at st,Michael,s luncheons. He would always give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek! It made all the other ladies jealous!He made a ninety year old lady very 😃
Many happy memories from when we lived in Plymouthand Harold and Pat helped us to make them.
Larry and Kathy Cassidy ( Mike and Chris too)
Mary Anne Martin says
Marilyn and family…
My condolences to you and your family.
Your dad always made me smile, he was always so happy and talkative.
My thought and prayers are with you 🙏 ❤️
Bob & Donna Whitmer says
Sending you our deepest condolences and prayers at this sad time.
I’ve known Harold & Pat since their camping days. Weekends at Jellystone, making dessert with pie irons and listing to Pat tell about the ghost who inhabited their house. You are both remembered…
Greg Lenburg says
I am sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. When I was a member of St. Michael’s and worked as director of religious education, I loved talking to Harold. I thoroughly enjoyed his teasing. He always made me laugh. I will miss him.
–Greg, Edna Lenburg and Family
Denise Ecker says
Fitness forum will not be the same without Harold! He was loved by all the staff.
Larry Starr says
Marilyn and families, So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He will be missed by many people. Always had a smile and laugh for everyone. Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dennis and Tillie Kain says
Harold was Plymouth icon and always cheerful and funny and a pleasure to be around. He was a Knights of Columbus member and always called to make sure I was there to help with the numerous fish frys. He was a fixture every season in little League baseball, and ushering at St Michaels, and could always be found at Life PLex. To know Harold was to love him. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, you’re forever in Gods loving hands !
Corky polnaszek says
I’m so sorry to read about Harold. He always gave me a hard time when I was at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Since I’m in Georgia now I miss all the knights and thought of Harold a lot since I heard he had cancer. May the family remember the good times with Crazy Harold.
Vincent A Glose says
Harold was a good friend and brother knight. He enlisted me to be an usher at church and coached my son in little league baseball. Many good memories from both plus hours playing euchre. Harold will be missed. My condolences and prayers for his family. May he rest in peace.
Vince Glose
Madeline Johns says
Frank, Marilyn, and Kevin – Your father was one of a kind. Harold and I did a lot of good natured bantering over the years; but always remained friends. I have many good memories of both your dad and your mom. May God hold him in his loving hands. May he rest in peace.
Bill Nixon says
Frank and Kevin,
Let me express my sorrow on the passing of your dad,Harold. I have always appreciated his work with the jr. leagues for many years. He was always cooperative
and with players like you,helped to make our total program so successful.
Kevin Sumrak says
We are so sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Harold was a unique and loving individual and will be missed. A donation to the Humane Society has been made in his honor.
Sincerely,
Kevin, Jackson, Ryan, Kim, Hayden, Reece, Ron and Sherry Sumrak
Geneal Ecker says
Condolences to the family of Harold Schmidt Sorry for your loss. We enjoyed many conversations with your Father at the Fitness Forum. He will be missed.
Karen Schlosser says
We have good memories of living across the street from Harold and Pat on Elliott Street. Later on as I became interested in the Purdue Alumni Club, Harold would come to the Purdue Annual picnic and volunteer at the Farmer’s Market. We had great fun running a Cornhole game for kids at the Farmer’s Market. Kids who were successful received a smartie candy. Harold made it a blast for the kids! He made sure every kid who walked by participated and heard the words “Go Purdue”. He also challenged me to a game. He was pretty good player!!! We will miss him! Sam and Karen Schlosser