Elmer Bill"" Willard Schmidt

Elmer (Bill) Schmidt, age 76, of rural La Salle passed away Sunday, November 29, 2015 at North Colorado Medical Center surrounded by his family. God called Bill home unexpectedly following complications of a cardiac procedure.

Elmer (Bill) Willard Schmidt was born October 31, 1939 to Elmer W. and Frances (Walker) Schmidt in Greeley, Colorado. Raised on a farm near LaSalle, he worked from a very young age on his parent’s, relative’s and neighbor’s farms. Bill graduated from College High in 1957 where he was a gifted athlete earning 9 letters. He was pursued by colleges with offers of football scholarships. He decided instead to stay on the family farm and raise his family. His life was dedicated to family, friends, farming, and stewardship of the land and water in Colorado. On December 19, 1958 Bill married Sharon Rossman. They set up house in what was affectionately called the “weaning house” on the original Schmidt homestead. They were together for 26 years before Sharon’s passing in 1984. They were blessed with two children, a son Bret and a daughter Billie Jo.

On September 26, 1989, Bill married Bernadette Chapman. They enjoyed traveling to NASCAR races and while there, taking in all the local scenery and historic sites. Bill loved to play poker so Las Vegas was always a fun destination. He was an avid sports fan. When traveling to the events became more difficult, quite often he could be found in his favorite chair, watching the NASCAR race on one TV and a basketball, football, or baseball game on the other. He loved talking sports with his son, son in law and grandsons and anyone else who wanted to debate the merits of his favorite teams.

Bill was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and farmer. Though he unofficially retired in 2011, he continued to help his son with farming and water management projects until he died. Bill was active in community and youth programs his entire life coaching 4-H softball and basketball. He was a member of the Weld-RE 1 school board, past president of Platte Valley Irrigation Company, and a current board member of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District.

Bill was a student of water and irrigation in the South Platte basin. He was a quiet thoughtful man who did not seek attention or honors yet he was sought out by water managers, engineers, and politicians from all over the region. He had an amazing memory and knowledge of water in Weld County, which made him an invaluable asset to anyone interested in developing and conserving water for agriculture.

Family suppers, holidays and birthday celebrations were some of Bill’s favorite times. He often took the whole family out for a birthday dinner followed by birthday cake at the farm. This was his way of keeping the family close and finding out what the grandkids were up to. He attended as many of the grandchildren’s school and athletic events as he could. Distance did not matter. He traveled all over Colorado as well as destinations in Wyoming, Texas, Kansas and Nevada to show his love and support.

Bill is survived by his loving companion Bernadette Schmidt, son Bret (Brenda) Schmidt, and son-in-law Dale Rains and wife Linda of rural La Salle, step daughter Laura (Brandon) Torrez of Greeley, brother, John (Laurie) of Windsor, sister JoAnne Adler of Phoenix, AZ. His treasured grandsons include Bryson Schmidt Rains, Tanner and Adam John Schmidt, Aaron and Isaac Kness and Elijah and Isaiah Torrez. Nieces and nephews Heather and Jay Packard (Hunter and Madeline), Jamie Schmidt, Jon Adler, and Marci and Brian Rude (Charlie and Brody). Also loved by Gage, Kaylee, Hannah, and Alyssa. .

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, daughter Billie Jo Schmidt-Rains, his parents and his brother-in- law Gordon Adler.

The family would like to thank the staff of NCMC Cardiovascular Unit who showed incredible compassion and competence in Papa’s care. May God bless and keep you all in your important work.

A visitation/viewing will be Thursday December 3, 2015 from 5-7 P.M. at Allnutt Macy Chapel. The funeral service will be held Friday, December 4, 2015 at10:30 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 35th Ave, Greeley, Colorado. Private family interment at Linn Grove Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association or Special Olympics Colorado NE Area in care of Allnutt Macy Chapel, 702 13th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.