Michael Jude Schmidt

Michael Jude Schmidt departed from this life at his home in Port St. Lucie on Friday evening, October 3. Born in Lavonia, Michigan, he is the beloved son of the late Barbara R. (Kisic) Schmidt and Kenneth C. Schmidt.

Mike moved with his family to Wilbraham, Massachusetts at the age of eleven. Educated in Wilbraham schools he moved to Florida after his high school graduation. There he met his devoted wife, Billie Jo Cruickshank. He managed a Dan’s Fan City store in Florida for many years before he and BJ moved to Nevada where he became the owner of his own Dan’s Fan City store. This past autumn they returned to Florida to be near BJ’s family and to renew old friendships.

Mike never forgot his Michigan roots. He had decorated his den in the maize and blue of University of Michigan Wolverines. He remains a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and Lions. He and his dad would meet in Detroit over the years to visit relatives and to take in Tiger ball games.

Mike and BJ, through their hard work, created a beautiful oasis that surrounded their home in Pahrump, Nevada. Mike remained in awe of the desert vistas and the snow-covered mountains that they could see and enjoy from the yard of their home.

Always trusting of people rarely was Mike disappointed. There are few people who are more kind and generous than Mike. Never pretentious or seeking of praise he had a soft spot in his heart for anyone who was in need, even if they were strangers. He truly believed that kindness was its own reward.

Michael leaves Billie Jo, his devoted wife of twenty-three years, they were married on September 28, 1991. He joins his loving mother, Barbara, and is now held closely in her arms. He leaves his loving dad Ken, of Wilbraham, his loving sister Gretchen Cardoso of Wilbraham, and his loving sister Lisa Tshonas and Peter of Ellington, Connecticut. He also leaves his niece, Kylie, and his nephew, Ryan of Wilbraham: his niece, Rachel, and his nephew, Nicholas, of Ellington. He is also survived by his uncle, Paul Schmidt and Joan; his aunt, Suzanne Lefevre; his aunt, Mary McWood and Arthur; and his Uncle Louis Kisic; all of Michigan. He leaves many cousins in Michigan, Ohio and Oregon. The late Elaine Cruikshank (mother-in-law). Also surviving are sister-in-laws, Terri Harrison and Tracy Adkins, nephews Michael Harrison Jr., Justin Adkins, Logan Adkins, Will Waters, Max Waters, Patrick Waters, niece Alaura Adkins, great niece Alice Harrison and Brother-in-law, Williams Waters all of Palm Beach County, Florida, and Pam & Dale Johnson from North Carolina and a host of very special friends. Lastly, he leaves his beloved Australian Cattle dogs, Sky, Shilo and Sparkie.

The Lord works through those that have kind and generous hearts. His love for them is boundless; He takes them unto Himself where they will live forever.

Visitation hours will be on Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Aycock Funeral Home in Port St. Lucie, FL. Services will be held on Friday October 10, 2014 at 11:00AM at Holy Family Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie, FL.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Michael’s memory to St Judes, St. Lucie County Humane Society, or any Hospice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home, Port St. Lucie, FL. Please visit and sign our guest register book at www.aycockportstlucie.com.