Gordon Woodrow Schmidt

Gordon Woodrow Schmidt, 89 passed away after a brief but courageous battle with an illness. Gordon was surrounded by his family as he entered into heaven on September 14th, 2013. He was born in Gackle, North Dakota to Theodore and Emilia (Neumann) Schmidt. He was one of eleven siblings. He graduated from Gackle High School in 1941 as the Student Body President and Captain of the basketball team. He then moved to Omak, WA where he met the love of his life Revadell (Andrus) Schmidt and they married in April 1944. Shortly thereafter he joined the Navy and served his country working as a radar specialist. After his service he returned to Omak and owned and operated a Grocery store. Later he relocated to Everett, WA and earned a degree from the University of Washington, School of Pharmacy. He started his career as a Pharmacist for a good friend, George Bartell Sr., at Bartell’s Pharmacy. He owned and operated two drug stores and ended his career with the Bon Marche pharmacy as Manager for 25 years.

With the love of his life Revadell, they raised six children in Everett and lived there for many years before moving to a small farm in Arlington where he raised black angus cattle. He loved his farm and because of the many memories, they became known as “Grandpa and Grandma on the farm”. Upon retirement they moved with their best friends Ted and Jane Wagner to Casa Grande, AZ, where they enjoyed golfing, making many friends and always willing to entertain. Their doors were always open to family and friends, often for weeks at a time. The Arizona lifestyle suited Gordon well from the warm sunshine to feeding the birds. Even while living in Arizona he remained a loyal fan to his beloved UW Huskies, Mariners, Seahawks and Sonics.

His strength in life came from his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his wish for his family was for every family member to know Jesus as their personal Savior. He lived his life as an example of who Christ was. For twenty-three years he attended the Arlington First Baptist Church and served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He also attended the Trinity Southern Baptist Church in AZ. Even at the end, his faith guided him with Strength and Honor.

His faith and character was a true example to his family throughout his life. He was always more concerned for others than for himself. Even at the end of his life, his love for his children and grandchildren showed as he was more concerned for his family’s well being than for his own health. He made it a point to take time to make sure each one of them knew how special they were and how much he loved them.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 69 years, Revadell Schmidt. He has 20 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. Daughter, Pamela (Richard) Carr, AZ, granddaughter Stacey (Greg) Martin (Willie and Nick) grandson Rick (Holly) Carr (Cosette, Greyson, Jaxson) granddaughter Leigh (Billy) Helveston. Son-in-law Gary(Peggy) Lingenfelter, Warm Beach, granddaughter Becky (Bill) Bacon (Emily, Matt, Will, Michael, Mark) grandson Ross Lingenfelter, grandson Mark (Kathy) Lingenfelter (Drew, Charlotte) granddaughter Mary Lingenfelter. Daughter Patti (Dave) Lingenfelter, Arlington, granddaughter Cami (Alan) Nizwonger, (Cailan), grandson Adam (Lisa) Lingenfelter (Brooklyn, Alison, Madison, Boston) grandson Aaron Lingenfelter, granddaughter Lacey(Jeff) Sherman (Jordan, Kaitlyn, Preston). Daughter Polly(Harold) Smith, Arlington, grandson Chris (Holli) Smith (Keegan, Collin, Kyler, Caden, Ella, Kate, Riley) grandson Jeremie (Kim) Smith (Courtney, Jay) grandson Joel (Ellen) Smith (Blake, Riley, Kaia) grandson Chuck (Jamie) Smith (Elijah, Eden) granddaughter Amber (Eric) Jones (Olivia, Calen, Spencer). Son Doug (Laurie) Schmidt, Arlington, grandson Chad (Stephanie) Schmidt (Joseph, Camden, Kinsley) granddaughter Sarah (James) Pomeroy (Jamison, expecting Breyton) granddaughter Heather (Ryan) Olson. Daughter Paige (Dean) Richards, Arlington, grandsons Isaac Melum and Brent Richards. Brothers, E.J. Schmidt, Omak, WA, Marlo (Judy) Schmidt, Mukilteo and Eloyen (Peggy) Schmidt, Puyallup.

He was preceded in death by parents Theo and Emilia(Neumann)Schmidt, sisters, Phyllis Schmidt, Adela Hummel, Virginia Glendenny, Viona Remboldt, brothers, , Donovan, Myron and Delyle Schmidt, daughter Peggy Lingenfelter, and great-granddaughter Ashley Lingenfelter.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21st, at Arlington First Baptist Church at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arlington Fire Dept. Sept. 11, Memorial Fund or the Wounded Warrior Foundation.