Harvey "Harv" Schmidt

Harvey Richard Schmidt of Caledonia, Illinois passed away in his home while surrounded by family on February 8, 2024 after a brave battle with a very aggressive cancer. Harv was born to Harvey and Jeanette Schmidt in Hustisford, Wisconsin on April 30, 1945. A quiet and intellectual person, he was the valedictorian of Hustisford High School class of 1963. Harv decided that he wanted to become an electrical engineer as a child, and went on to earn his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1968. He began working for Sundstrand in Rockford, Illinois until he was drafted into the army from 1969 to 1971. He was selected to perform research at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, New Hampshire, and was later sent to various research stations in Antarctica. After his military service, Harv returned to Sundstrand, and earned an MBA in finance from Northern Illinois University in 1975. He was dedicated to his profession and widely recognized for his commitment to excellence and problem-solving at work. He was nicknamed the "Mac Man" for his macro software. He met his wife, Alice, at a Christmas party, and they were married on October 30, 1982. For many years, he spent much of his free time refurbishing discarded company computers and donating them to regional schools and other groups. Harv retired from Hamilton Sundstrand in 2009 after more than 40 years of employment. He became very active in many local bowling leagues and his perfect 300 games were the highlight of his bowling career.

He was known for being extremely frugal with money, and just as economical with words. He quietly showed his affection by performing practical tasks, enthusiastically and repeatedly sharing information that interested him, as well as making small gifts of the freebies he acquired during his weekly Menards rebate runs. He enjoyed woodworking, photography, coin collecting, card and strategy games, bowling, jigsaw puzzles, claiming Menards rebates, and relaxing in front of his TV. Harv was a methodical man who took every opportunity to organize data into Excel spreadsheets and store hard copies in piles of overstuffed expanding file folders.

Besides having many endearing quirks, Harv was a highly intelligent and capable man of incredible honesty and integrity. Harv was a caring and dependable husband, father, and grandfather. He was very proud of both of his daughters, and later, their families. Harv was easily charmed by his feline companions and eagerly greeted all cats that approached him. He often seemed surprised to receive invitations, gifts, or offers of assistance, but was always quick to help others. He went above and beyond to provide for his wife, children, and grandchildren. Harv has left a huge hole in our hearts that no amount of paper clutter or outdated computer parts could ever fill.

Harv was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joan Zweifel, his brother-in-law, Fred Zweifel, and several beloved cats and other pets. He is survived by his wife, Alice; his daughters, Kristen (Marc) Holden and Kaitlin (Paul) Murray; his granddaughters Elise Holden, Adele Holden, Amelie Holden, and Briana Murray; and his nephew, Jeff (Melinda) Zweifel.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.