Frederick E. Schmidt

Frederick Ernest Schmidt, 87, of Noble, Oklahoma passed away at home on April 16, 2025. Fred was a man of deep integrity, boundless curiosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. He never met a stranger.

Born in Yankton, South Dakota to Ernest and Mabel Schmidt, Fred was one of ten children. While Fred only completed 8th grade with some college later in life, his love of learning was unmatched and he knew something about everything: electricity, gardening, plumbing, metals, home-improvement, farm animals, and mechanics to name a few. He joined the United States Army at just 17, and became a top tank gunner while serving in Germany. On October 10, 1956, he married the love of his life Marlene Rose Logan, and they went on to have seven children together. Fred worked tirelessly to support his family as a plant engineer, an irrigation system manager, a junker, in an army ammunition plant, and more. Fred's work ethic was unmatched, and it didn't matter what the job was; what mattered to Fred was taking care of people and helping them succeed.

Fred was confident, magnetic, generous to all, and he saw the potential in everyone. Fred loved to solve puzzles, both for fun and in real life; he could fix anything, draw anything, and imagine endless possibilities. He enjoyed finding treasures at auctions, singing country music in the car, and watching Westerns. He would never turn down caramel corn, coffee, black licorice, or a banana split. More than anything, Fred taught by example that if you work hard and love harder, you're sure to achieve your goals, and he was so very proud of everything his loved ones accomplished.

Fred is survived by his seven children Debra Lenhart, Teresa Asmussen, Steven Schmidt, Robert Schmidt, Susan Credille, Michelle Stamp, and Christine Pittman; his twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and his brothers Joe Schmidt and James Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Marlene Schmidt; his parents Ernest and Mabel Schmidt; siblings Ernestine Merchant, Frieda Warnock, Helen Hill, and Eugene Schmidt; and half-siblings Viola Buttrick, Lloyd Gilbertson, and Jean Briggs.

A memorial service for Frederick will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas More University Parish, 100 Stinson St., Norman, Oklahoma 73072.