Edwin R. Schmidt

Longtime Modesto resident, Edwin Schmidt, passed away September 30, 2010 shortly after suffering a stroke. Born in Ashley, ND, Edwin moved with his parents and four siblings to Lodi, Calif. in 1936. He served in the Army Air Corps and remained proud of his time as a pilot. Ed met his beloved wife, Joanne Flynn at an ice cream parlor in Tempe, Ariz. and they married in October 1944. Joanne preceded Edwin in death at the young age of 64 in 1993. Edwin completed his military service in 1945 and Ed and Joanne settled first in Lodi where their three children were born. Ed was a furniture retailer his entire life, first at Newfield's in Lodi, Neeley's in Bakersfield and then at Slater's Furniture in Modesto where the family moved in 1954. Ed managed the Modesto store for over 40 years, during which time he most enjoyed the design aspect of his work. He had an eye for putting a room together and brought his high standards and hard work to every project. Ed retired from Slater's twice, but celebrated with a party finally in 2000. He never hesitated to offer his opinion on how things looked and people enjoyed his humor and wit. Well dressed, always, he cared about the impression he made. His clients became friends and Ed and Joanne had a wide group of friends in Modesto and a close-knit family in Lodi. Their children, nieces and nephews enjoyed summer trips to Lake Tahoe and Capitola and thought of all of their aunts and uncles as one. Ed also was a lifelong golfer, member of SOS and Springcreek Golf Club. Ed and Joanne traveled with friends to Hawaii, Palm Springs and always found a golf course to tackle. To family and friends, Edwin was, to the end, a man of strong opinions, quick humor and fierce independence. His was a life, well lived.

Edwin leaves his three children: Cheryl De Boer of Ripon, CA, Robert Schmidt of Modesto and Sue Schmidt Pritzker of Portland, OR, four granddaughters and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind sisters Viola Dollinger, Freida Costa, and brother, Oscar Schmidt.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Flynn Schmidt and his sister Hertha French.

In remembrance, donations may be made to Community Hospice Foundation, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356-9259 or National Alopecia Areata Foundation at www.naaf.org. Online guest book available at www.lakewoodhughson.com