Karl Kurt Schmidt

Karl Kurt Schmidt, long time resident of Sarasota, FL, passed away on Tuesday, May 16 at 98 wonderful years old. He leaves behind 2 daughters, 3 granddaughters, a grandson and 3 great grandsons. Karl was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a graduate of Case Western Reserve University. As a Captain in the Army Air Corps, he served with distinction with the 1st Commando Group in the India China Burma Campaign. Karl and his wife Inez raised their family in Akron, Ohio. He worked for many years with J. Gordon Gaines Insurance, Inc before buying the company and becoming its president. After his retirement they moved full time to Sarasota where he fulfilled the dream of owning a boat, sharing great times on it with his grandchildren. He will be missed in so many ways! An inspiration to those around him, including his children and grandchildren, Karl played competitive bridge into his 90s. He expanded his love of learning with college courses. He loved to read and to use his brain every minute. Karl enjoyed music - listening to Big Band sounds as well as playing the piano. He loved "social hour" - talking with old and new friends at Bonefish and Libby's. He was very proud of the plaque Libby's gave him for his 95th birthday. Karl requested that there be no memorial service, that family and friends each remember him in their own way. The family wishes to thank his special neighbor in Oak Forest, the wonderful people from Take Care, the kind staff at Manor Care and the caring people from Tidewell who helped him to live his last year to the fullest.