Timothy Harlan Schmidt

Writing about Tim is difficult because it’s hard to summarize in words what a profound impact he had on our lives. His kindness, caring and support has left a lasting impression on his family, friends, colleagues and tennis players. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Tim grew up in Bloomington, Illinois with his late parents Harlan and Darlene Schmidt. After moving to Chicago and working in the tennis industry in St. Charles and Elmhurst, he took over managing the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center. A few years later he met his future family and began his life with Lindy and her children Matthew, Becky and Catie. Although he was an only child, he considered his closest friend, Bob Lashbrook (aka: “Guy Pie”), to be his brother. It was a rare day that they didn’t talk or text with each other over the last 55 years. He didn’t have any grandchildren but had a motley crew of animals that he never asked for or wanted but always accepted with loads of love. The collection started with Chloe, a shih tzu, who fused herself to Tim's side during his hip replacement recoveries. After Chloe, the collection grew to include a one-eyed poodle named Pepe and a rescue named Trevor, who hated everyone in this world except Lindy and Tim. Our cat Charlie, dropped off from college by Catie in 2012, had trained Tim to feed him breakfast progressively earlier and treats on demand - probably why he now weighs 30lbs. Charlie’s favorite place to sleep in the evenings was in the crook of Tim’s elbow and you would often find them in the armchair, both snoring, at 9pm. Our current gang of mini Australian shepherds - Brady, Snoopy, Wrigley and Kaladin - all competed for Tim’s pats and snacks.

Aside from doting on the animals, Tim also loved to golf, play pickleball, and visit Nordstrom Rack and Costco (especially for the samples). We used to have Schmidt-Hungerford family mixed double matches where everyone would do their best not to be paired up with Catie. He was still teaching lessons part time at Nielsen up until February and was loved by everyone there. One of the (many) things we loved about Tim was how he maintained his close friendships - most of which he had for many decades. He was always calling and checking in and had recently figured out texting and emojis. When he was going through cancer treatment in February, his phone was constantly pinging with well wishes and people checking in. This is a testament of what an amazing person he was to have in your life and how much he meant to so many people. How lucky our family was to have him as a dad and husband!

He deserved so much more time here but, really, even one hundred years wouldn’t be enough. However, he’s not really gone because the best parts about him are reflected in all of us. His kindness, empathy, patience and acceptance of everyone - no matter who you were or how he knew you - are things we know we’ll all strive to embody. We’re all better people for having him in our lives and think that’s the only legacy he would have asked for.