My grandfather a true mans man, a helper, and a giver. Always going above and beyond to help a friend or his family. This photo was us saying the Pledge of Allegiance together at his VFW post and it is my all time favorite picture of the two of us. 

The USS Coral Sea (which he served on during the Korean War) had a motto, “The Ageless Warrior” and I think he embodied that 110%. He was a warrior until the end, never letting his age, an illness or injury keep him from taking care of his duties in his long list of clubs and veteran organizations he was a part of...never asking for accolades or recognition. Such a legacy he built and I am grateful for the many life lessons I learned from him.

My memories are when I was a teenager, traveling to Michigan with my grandparents (Margie; sister to Richie and Bud). We would always take time to visit as many of the family members in Michigan as possible, but without a doubt we would always see Uncle Richie and Aunt Rose. We would go to their house and play cards for hours, cook food, make Kahlua, play pool, and talk about the family. I also remember going to the AmVets/vfw to play bingo and help run the concession stand. They always made sure I had fun while I was there. I will miss those times with Uncle Richie, unfortunately he did not get to meet my children. I know they would have loved him as I did.

Uncle Richie would make pizza's on Friday nights and would have us kids cut up all the fixings to put on them,  He would make 4 pizza's and it was a family affair and good times had by all.  I also remember  coming over to stay to help iron clothes with Aunt Rose, watch TV, or just hang out.  One time I ironed 27 shirts and vowed never to iron again...lol  Uncle Richie was my Godfather and loved him dearly.  I hope he is reunited with his family in heaven, especially my Dad as they enjoyed each others company.   Another memory was on my wedding shower day I was all dressed in a white jumpsuit and Uncle Richie picked me up and threw me in my parents pool.  I had to drip dry as there was no time to change or fix my hair and makeup.  Much love to Aunt Rose and family.

(continued) Uncle Richie had a big hear that was full of places for his whole big family. Still, there was no doubt in my mind that he had a special place there for me. When I got my first cellphone, it was after my first husband died. Uncle Richie would call me at work and start the conversation with “Hi Beautiful!” He was cared very deeply about what happened to me and my family. He always had questions about where everyone was and what they were doing. As I grieve his loss, I realize that the palpable love he had for his parents, my father, and other people from his generation kept those people alive for me. For being the littlest Schmidt in stature, I think he had the largest heart. I love you, Aunt Rose, and all the Richard Schmidt clan.  Beth

My earliest memories of Uncle Richie were at the Charbonneau Family reunion at Aunt Lucille’s. He was a little man among men but had a huge presence. Uncle Richie was very boisterous whether yelling and being animated with a card game at the men’s table or doing flying cannonballs into the pool. He acted like a boy, but I was sure my parents wouldn’t let my brothers get that wild. I remember first getting to know my cousins: Sandy, Joni and Denise. He was a dad with children and still acted like a big kid! Now, one would have to consider that the Grandpa Schmidt and his sons could be fairly loud when it came to cards. The men also would play aggressively in the games in the pool. Uncle Richie was the most-est of all these men. 
Uncle Richard loved the Schmidt family picnic. As I grew older, I learned that Uncle Richie and his family was there to claim the sites and have breakfast at the park when it opened. They were also the ones to pack up the last of the picnic long after the sun had set. When we arrived around noon, Uncle Richie looked charged up! He didn’t sit down very much. He moved like he had electricity running through him. Uncle Richie was wherever the high point in the picnic was. I can remember him playing egg toss and water balloons. I remember his boisterous laughter. Uncle Richie could keep a story or a joke going for years. 
Uncle Richard passionately loved his whole big family… and he had a huge number of aunts, uncles, cousins, inlaws and outlaws, nieces and nephews. He made many visits throughout the year. He would make them time to be at every wedding, first communion, baptism, anniversary and birthday. I could catch up on the entire family by just spending an hour with Uncle Richie on the phone or a visit at my parent’s kitchen table. 
(To be continued)

Richard welcomed me into the family reluctantly after I started dating his granddaughter Jennifer McLellan. The reason for the reluctance was because I beat him in pool my first Christmas Eve at the Schmidt's house. We were playing P-pool with him and all of the uncles and they failed to warn me that we always let Papa win. They told me after I won lol. I let them know that information would have been useful before the game started but you live and you learn lol. He was an amazing man and loved my kids dearly. Colin and Reyleigh will miss you dearly & we will make sure that Ryan knows you also. Rest in Peace Rich. 

I really have no words to express the deepest hole in our hearts when we lost Pops. I have always been close with my grandparents, they have always been there for every milestone in my life. Pops taught me how to be an upstanding adult and how to care and take care of others. From donating his time with the veterans at the VA hospital, to his community delivering meals on wheels to residents in Redford, to his own neighbors on Denby street taking care of them and snow blowing from one end of the street to others. He showed me the most love and how to share that with others.  That love changed to something unexplainable when I had my daughter Reyleigh Grace. The love those two had for each other was something amazing. He shared his food, snacks, ice cream, and everything with her. And for those of you who knew Pops, knows that he did not share food with anyone LOL. He will be deeply missed but we will carry on his memory and his love for everyone and teach Reyleigh & Ryan how to love like he did. 

Uncle Richie leaves a great legacy of love and service. His love and devotion for his family, for others in need and for his country have always been inspiring to me! He had a zest for life and fun and was a great dancer! He always made me feel special and loved too. I will miss him.
All my love to you Aunt Rose and the entire family.

One of my favorite memories of Uncle Richie is at family weddings and how he could light up the dance floor.  He had some of the greatest moves and never let any of the youngsters get the best of him in a dance off.  He was a great example of how to enjoy life.  Forever in our memories.  Love Karla.

The greatest memory that first hits me is when we had a bonfire and Richard tried to jump the fire. That was quite memorable.   
Another one was when Richard and Uncle Steve’s sister, Bonnie had the craziest picture of the two of them with no teeth. 


My family, the Storvis family, shared many fun times with the Schmidt family when their children were growing up.  Our parents were friends from their pre-marriage days.  Rich always was kind and friendly to everyone.   We reconnected through social media as many people have done.  Last year, I was vacationing in MI and my husband and I had the joy of spending an evening with Rich, Rose and Joni. ❤  I am so glad we had that evening together and able to chat and play cards and reconnect in person.  It was a Friday night, so Scotty Simpsons Fish and Chips was also a part of that evening.  We talked about old times and new times.  Rich was a wonderful man and will be missed.  I will always remember his friendly and welcoming smiles.  Prayers and love for all of the Schmidt family.  

I will always remember Richards smiling face.  His wit and his devotion to God, family and country.  
May God forever hold him in His loving embrace. 

Go rest high on that mountain, sir your work on earth is done.  Go to Heaven a'shoutin love for the Father and the Son.

I have gotten the privilege to grow up with gram and papa. But my absolute favorite memory was at my wedding when papa came up to me and congratulated me. He made sure he took his time and did it personally. I will never forget that picture from my wedding. Sure did love coming to visit and being around him! 

Dick was a loyal member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  It was always nice to see him when he'd stop in to get his lottery tickets. He will be sadly missed. 

I remember Rich as a fun guy who always had a good time at the family get togethers. My condolences to all of his family.

I remember the many times the Schmidt's would get together when one needed help or to celebrate anything at all. Uncle Richie cooked fresh corn at picnics, bar-b-qued at backyard parties, and he always met you with a smile a hug, and a joke to share.
I remember the day the Schmidt brothers moved the player piano from Aunt Margie's house to ours.  Uncle Richie was right in the middle of it, telling his older brothers how to lower the piano down the stairs and using himself as an anchor with the rope wrapped around him.  He didn't back down from anything. 
Love to Aunt Rose and his family.  Prayers of comfort for all who love him.


Dick you will be truly missed at Livonia Post 3941.  Your loyalty and dedication to the VFW and the Post was second to none and an inspiration.  Rest In Peace Dick you will not be forgotten.  Slow hand salute.  SemperFi 

The forever lost coffee cup.

Rest in Peace Richard.

Ray & Cheri

Little did I know when I met Courtney in 7th grade I would have fallen in love with her entire family. Looking back on close to 20 years I have so many good memories with papa, most of which took place in my teenage years and 20's. The Schmidt's/McLellan's became my second family. My  fondest memories were the parties at grandma and papas. We all know they knew how to throw a party!! The best food, drinks, and most importantly, the laughs. Oh the laughs. Whether it was papa making us laugh with his jokes or Courtney and I laughing because papa could never hear us, I always left there with a  smile on my face. Papa was the best. Boy would I get the stink eye if I didn't give him a hug and kiss when I got there! I will miss you so much. I am so blessed to be apart of this family and will carry papa forever in my heart. I love you all. I can't wait to see everyone at papa's celebration of life. 
XOXO - Tish

Aunt Rose and the Family, It was sad news to learn of the passing of Uncle Richie.  When I think back he was a person who always put a smile on our faces. One time in particular was my last little league football game in Lincoln Park. It was a night game and the parents were suppose to meet each kid at mid-field then turn and run down to the end-zone ( I was expecting my Mom to be there). Low and behold I get to mid-field and here to meet me is my Uncle Ritchie. The smiles on our faces and the hand shake I can never forget, we turn and run (maybe it was a trot) to the end-zone where he wishes me Good Luck. I was 12yrs. old and that was 50yrs ago. May you rest in peace Uncle Richie. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Aunt Rose and the rest of the family.   Love, Brian

Growing up with the McLellan girls, I have so many memories with Papa Schmidt.  Most of my fondest memories are of my teenage years.  I'd always run in to him while he was delivering meals in my neighborhood, or just driving down the road.  He always had a smile on his face and always greeted me with a big hug and kiss.  I always loved randomly running in to him because he never failed to make me smile or laugh! I'll never forget the conversations we'd have at the stop lights from car to car! That smile of his will sure be missed but I will always remember it. <3  I feel blessed to have known him and have him a part of my life for the past 28 years.  He will truly be so missed.  All my love, thoughts & prayers to the entire Schmidt family. <3

While I have so many wonderful memories of Richard, my minds eye will always think of him in his full snow suit out plowing snow through the entire neighborhood.  By the time he finished, he looked like a snowman - completely covered in white.  He was an absolutely wonderful person and will be greatly missed.  My love to the whole Schmidt Family.  

20 years ago my husband Joe and I bought our first house. As soon as we closed and got our keys we headed to our new house on Denby. We pulled into our new driveway . We hadn't even had a chance to get out of our car and here comes this man quickly walking up to the driver side window.  He asked if we were the new owners.  When we said we said we were he said welcome to the neighborhood, my name is Dick and I live next door.  He was also very excited to tell us about the tree that had fallen into our yard during a storm earlier that afternoon.  😂 He would also always invite us over for Christmas Eve. We always seemed to have other plans, but eventually we were able to make it one year and we were amazed by what wonderful neighbors we had. We looked forward to stopping by on Christmas Eve for many years after that. 

Aunt Rose and family, 
We are so heartbroken to hear of Uncle Richie’s passing! He was definitely a bright light who could bring joy and laughter  to anyone at any time! I can’t help but smile and giggle when I think of his wonderful sense of humor and his many antics that we were able to experience and be a part of over the years!  Especially his dancing!  I know he’s dancing in heaven and telling a good joke!  Uncle Richie you will be missed so very  much! 
We are praying that God‘s amazing grace will bring comfort and peace to you all!
 This is not a goodbye- it’s a see you later!  
Until then, may angels lead you in. 
We love you!  Cathi & Kevin 

OBITUARY

Richard A. Schmidt

24 November, 1933 – 14 December, 2020

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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