Vivian Ebert Schmidt

Vivian Jeanne Schmidt, age 101, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 10 at her residence. Born June 27, 1922, in Watertown, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Elena Katherine Weihert Ebert. She was raised in the German Lutheran tradition and attended Lutheran and public schools in Watertown. Vivian was the wife of the late David A. H. Schmidt. They married in 1943 and moved to Brooklyn, New York, where David was a bandsman with the Army Services Force Band attached to the New York Port of Embarkation at Fort Hamilton. While he played for incoming and outgoing troops during World War II, Vivian worked at Sperry Gyroscope, a Brooklyn company that produced wartime navigation devices for submarines. After World War II, they returned to Wisconsin and lived most of their married life in Superior, Wisconsin. Vivian was active in church and community groups while still finding time to maintain her interests in growing a large perennial garden, baking award-winning sweet treats, decorating, playing with her young grandchildren, and reading books on British history and the monarchy. She continued her interests in Lynchburg where she was recognized for her extensive rose garden which David faithfully helped maintain. They were active members of Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church for many years. Vivian often reflected on a favorite Bible verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Besides her parents and husband, siblings Sylvanus John Ebert, Frances Sontag, and Frieda Ebert predeceased her. Her survivors include a son and a daughter, Karen Schmidt of Lynchburg, David F. Schmidt of Superior, Wisconsin, and grandsons Christopher Ake (Deanna) of Madison Heights, Virginia, and Matthew Ake (Jamie) of Leland, North Carolina. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Annabell, Kayla, and David Ake as well as nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be conducted at Fort Hill Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 2 pm with Pastor Brett Eubank officiating. Vivian and David will be interred together with military honors accorded to David by the American Legion Post 104. Whitten Timberlake Chapel is assisting the family. Vivian’s family wishes to thank the skilled and compassionate staff at Westminster-Canterbury for enriching Vivian’s life in her later years. “O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.” Psalm 107:1