Hi…

I don’t really like to write on here because I don’t really like the idea of everyone seeing what I say. But I came on here to double check some info as I was putting a dvd together and came across all the messages people have written. I had no idea anyone still wrote on here. I turned off the notifications years ago on new posts because they just made me sad.

This past week, I’ve heard your voice for many many many hours. I’ve been working on compiling all the old family footage that you took/audio of you talking onto organized DVD’s. This is a really long project and it’s very time consuming…but each night that I’ve gone to sleep after working on it I feel so so so sad. It’s been very draining emotionally. But I hope the family appreciates it when I finally finish. I hope to finish this summer while I’m off work.

I think about you often, but I try not to dwell on those thoughts…but it’s been really hard not to lately as I’ve been surrounded by your audio and videos all day this week. 

Ashley and I were talking about you in St. Augustine a couple weeks ago. Our conversation made me feel sad afterwards. Working on this stuff now, in the moment I usually feel fine…but after, when I remember that all of these memories are over and that this is all that there is left of your voice? Then I feel really sad.

I’m not gonna bother updating you on my life because I’m sure you already know what’s going on. I’m just laying here in bed feeling sad and wanted to feel like I was actually talking to you like I was in those videos and audio. Even though I know that the time is gone and it’s impossible.

Anyway…I’m not really sure what else to say. I wish this was a real conversation we were having. But I’ve always felt really uncomfortable talking about my feelings so in reality, if you were here, I probably wouldn’t actually be saying any of this either.

I know this is a weird message. Sorry…

Love,
Serra

I miss you pop pop. Think of you all the time. We just had Christmas together as a family at your house for the first time in years ! It was nice that everyone was there but I missed you. I found myself hanging out in you and grandmas room or sitting in your chair. I felt you there. 
I’ve been struggling lately and I hope you’re there with me as I try to battle through this challenging time. I know if you were here in the physical you’d be here to make me laugh. 
I love you. 

Dad it’s been 7+ years;  there is not a day I think about you,  Abrianna graduated UNF health department, in May 2022, she thinks of you; 
This august Holly was told she had kidney failure;
She died  this October, Abrianna was Distraught

We buried her in our backyard, Abrianna is making a memorial garden in Holly’s ❤️ 

I am also so sad to see that she died 🙏🏻

Dad there hasn’t  been a day that of thought of you, Mom is strong and she misses you

Abrianna graduated in may of 2022, She thinks of you every day, 

Holly died it was  terrible to see her in pain; she was the best dog and companion; we know Holly is with you running 

Hi Pop-Pop,
It’s me again. I just wanted to drop by to say hello.  I feel like you’ve been around a lot lately. Maybe you’ve been visiting Skylar at night when she’s in her crib. She’s been up a few nights in a row laughing and talking to someone in there. Has she showed you “Bumbo” ? that’s her Dumbo elephant which she loves! 

She’s talking and walking and running and growing every day. I wish you were here in person to see her and for me to talk to. You come up a lot in conversation.

I just wanted to say hello and that I love and miss you. 


Dad  it has been 6 years,   I miss you and always will .   Though I know. You are in a beautiful place with our Lord.  I still don’t understand how you got cancer.    Mom is very strong, just as you told  her to be.  

I and Abrianna dream of you alot .  I met with Emmet Farris, finally at a restaurant for lunch. I know you kept telling me to connect with him and so I did the other week.

I think my last post was in the spring of 2020 and told you the deadly COVID infection… Now it still is raging around the world … and a number of very more severe.  We are all wearing masks (its a requirement from the Government).  
Patty got her vaccine a few weeks ago, Mom has not yet gotten her her shot ( its 2 injections 28 days after the  first).

I  visited you the. Day before  you  died. I added my national park coin and added an Air force flag . I got to the funeral about 5:23pm…close call I could have been locked in the cemetery .. :)  I also went to church to say a prayer, but all  the doors were locked…so I prayed at the outside alter which has Mary and Joseph.

Also, on December. 21st Mom and I at your house we saw the “ Star of Bethlehem “…. We were so happy… we wished you were there in person, but I am sure you saw that as well.

Love, 

Smokie


Hi pop pop 
It’s been way too long since I wrote on here. A lot has changed for me and I know you know that already. I’ve been through some very challenging times but I have grown so much. I am stronger now than ever and I know you would be proud of me.  I definitely didn’t take the easy road but I believe it has and will pay off. I know you’ve met my beautiful daughter, your great grand daughter Skylar. She is so amazing and a lot like you I think. She loves animals already and is so vocal and opinionated. I know you were with us when we took her to the zoo for Halloween and the Alligator Farm in St Augustine. 
I got a new job that I start in a few weeks at Mayo Clinic. It has always been a dream for me to work there and I know you are proud of me. 
I thought of you the other day and realized I had missed your birthday. I was driving down San Jose and had already passed the cemetery. Next time I’m in the area I will come visit even though I know you certainly aren’t there. I think that’s why i have such a hard time going. It’s because I know you’re out in nature experiencing all the beauty in the world and busy doing whatever it is you’re destined to do out in the afterlife. 
I know you come and visit us and see you in all the animals and flowers and beautiful trees that are in our new backyard. 
I love you and miss you. 
Talk soon 
Ashley Ann 

Hi Daddy. Today is your birthday. I haven't written in a while but as you know Ashley and I talk to you all the time.  Your 1st Great Grandchild Skylar Ann knows very well who your are. I know you have visited with her many times. She loves animals. Her favorite is Elephants. The first movie that she watched was the Jungle Book. We had to put that on for her everyday! 
Ashley just got hired with Mayo Clinic. She is very excited to start. She will be working in the  Oncology Clinic. 
I know you are busy helping people where you are. We have seen the Butterflies and Cardinals that you send us.  We miss you very much but we know we will see you again. Love you, 
Barbara, Ashley and Skylar <3 <3 <3

Dad, I know you are in a good place; you are probably laughing, telling a joke, but mostly you are helping people down here you just liked you did when you were alive... I went to vote the other month and when I showed my Driver's License ...she looked up and said you must be your Father... He was such a lovely person...smart and fun to be, but mostly he helped anyone that needed it.   This has happened numerous times... 

You made a difference in this World - for that I love and respect you, even more,  I try to follow your steps.

I wish we had more time on Earth for me and others, especially our trips. Our Mt. Ranier trip was great ....it was so beautiful... with a cornucopia of colored flowers and at the same time, we walked on a glacier and ended with an ICE Cave with a tiny lake of a stellar blue.

Since you have gone, mom fell from a ladder, she knows you saved her from not sustaining life injuries... Abrianna graduated Bishop Kenny with a great GPA.... she got a great education...she is 21 now...She is at UNF and doing great there too.  Sarah is getting married.  Oh and the entire world has been in lockdown due to a deadly virus no one can go out.   I am so sorry that I could not go with you on our next visit due to my work ... I now look back and priorities of work took that opportunity to go again....I realize now my priorities were wrong; family comes first.  I miss our conversations.... I still talk to you and dream about you.   Love you Dad

Time is endless and so are you.  Many timeless years have come and gone since you were chosen by our Savior to enter your eternal resting home in Heaven to be with God and become a beacon of light for your loving family that you left behind. We, as your family, and me as your devoted Dottie, miss you more than time itself.  It's 5 years today, January 22, 2015, that God took you by the hand and lead you through the gates of Heaven to be in peace forever. As time goes by, our grief lingers on and always will. Grieving for you will never stop for me or any of us here. Your memory will linger on because you left us all with your wisdom, compassion, selflessness and love as a husband, father, and grandfather. We will always be so proud to have been a part of you and what you accomplished in your lifetime. Time never stops, it just continues on. I love you with "All My Hearts"... Your loving wife, Dottie

Daddy,  on this day, 5 years ago you left this world, leaving our family. There is not a day that goes by that I think about you,  and I talk to you.  I know God and his angels have you in the palm of HIS hand.  I know you are in a much better place than we are; I am sure all the angels are enjoying your humor.

Pray for our family..it has been a rough 5 years.  

Love you always,

Smokie

Dad

Freddie please send this to dads obituary for me. It’s coming up to be 4 yrs since dads passing. On January 22nd. Thank you

“You left us 4 hrs ago to 
be with our Savior  Jesus our Lord and to be with God.    But the heartache is still there 
And the painful memories  of losing you.  Each day is a painful heartache for me  because I keep
Wishing you were still with us. 
You are gone to be with God in Heaven, 
But your not forgotten.  
I love you always. 
May God keep you in The palms of his Hands. Till we meet again , I LOVE YOU ALWAYS.  🙏🏻👤
Love your Dottie

=======================
Frederick Wm Schmidt  III2/22/2019

I once had something that money could not buy, 
I had a special person ; but had to say good bye
If I were to be asked why I thought the world of you, I could give a million answers and they would all be true
The heartache and sadness may not always show
It is said it lessens but little do they know.
Meet me in my dreams, Dad

And Talk to me once more and ease this everlasting pain that makes my heart sore…

The  road without you is so long
A tear for every mile

But I know one day when I reach the end 
You will be there to welcome me with a Smile…..

Love you always Daddy


You left us 4 years ago to 
be with our Savior  Jesus our Lord and to be with God.    But the heartache is still there 
And the painful memories  of losing you.  Each day is a painful heartache for me  because I keep wishing you were still with us. 
You are gone to be with God in Heaven, 
But you are not forgotten.  
I love you always. 
May God keep you in the palms of his Hands. Till we meet again , 
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS.  🙏🏻👤
Love your Dottie

Dad, I miss you more and more each day; to share a story,  talk about the sports games, or about our adventures  in the west  - Glacier National Park , or Banff Canada and the hike to the Tea House up from  Lake Louise and seeing an avalanche  right across the peaks, or conversations of sage advice.
Through the sadness, I know you are there watching over and providing advice  and friendly conversations  and funny stories and jokes.... those are memories I will never forget. One day, we will meet again, I pray, ....I don’t know when but I will find you where ever there is laughter and angels mingling around an angel 😇 giving advice and funny or interesting stories. Til that Day, I will remember you and your advice .
Love Smokey 

I miss you dearly, there is not a day, nor hour  that I don’t think of you.  But I keep my mind sharp, reading and following news ; and I work outside with my plants and the lawn, and make sure the house is maintained. I know You (would) are proud of me! 
It has been a very rough year for the family,  between  me having the bad fall and 4 + months in hospital and rehab; I know you where with me as I fell, it could have been so much worse but I know you interceded as I fell ! 🙏🏻😇  We lost Dumma last December, and Buster this August 😩😪,, and one week later Rosy passed away.. You are in Heaven now with 13 of our family pets  😢😓 ! I know you and they are with the Lord looking over us.

Love  you with all ME Hearts 💕 ❤️😢
Dottie 



  It's been 3 years since God took you home into Heaven.  I feel you around me all the time, I know you are watching over me and our family.   
  I miss you Fred, never a day or a moment goes by that I am not thinking about you. I know you always are guiding me and helping me to do what is right and make the best decisions.  ITs not easy without you. We always were and always will be close in Heart and Soul. 
   The memories we shared are ones that keep me positive.  Because you were always there for me as I was for you.
   How I wish you were still here with me and your children and Grandchildren.
  We all miss you and love you forever and always.
   Keep close to me Fred because I know you always are with me and watching out for me and our family.
   I love you with all My Hearts !

 I know you are in Heaven with our Lord.  You're an Angel, whom God took in the palm of his Hands.

Love you forever,  your Dottie

Now and Always til we Meet Again

Hey pop pop,
Reading trough all of the old entries on here has made me sad. I miss you very much and talk about you often. I have our picture of us dancing together at my wedding on my bulletin board at work. People often ask me about it and I tell them a little about you. Many of them automatically say  he was a father to you, wasn't he? They just know from a photo and the few little things I may share with them about you. 
I can't believe you've been gone 3 years! I still miss you just as much. Life has continued on. I think you might be proud of how all of us are doing. 
I went to the mountains for the first time a month ago! It was so beautiful. We went on a little hike to some waterfalls and it was my favorite part of our trip. I climbed down a bunch of rocks to the bottom of the falls and I could just hear you egging us on as my mom told us not to because she thought we would fall and die. Haha. It was worth the climb. I thought of you often as I looked out on beautiful nature. I know you were with us too. I know you were laughing as Jordan braved mountain roads for the first time and was terrified. I know you were with us as we went horse back riding on the slippery mountain and were scared. I know you were with us on the sketchy sky gondola. 
I know you're watching out for us daily, but I sure do miss getting to hear your voice

Three years ago this first week of January was and continues to be a painful memory every day but especially so this week and month.

I know in January 2015, Heaven was blessed with a new Angel to look over us all. 

Dear Lord- show me the way through the Holy Spirit how I can find my path you want me to follow until my judgement day.  Though I pray for forgiveness for my sins and pray ardently for peace, not so much for me but for humanity and my family... oh, Holy Spirit  please open my eyes, heart and mind to hear and comprehend messages from my  Lord  and Savior Jesus Christ and God.

O Christ Jesus
When all is darkness
And we feel our weakness and helplessness,
Give us the sense of Your Presence,
Your Love and Your Strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
In Your protecting love
And strengthening power,
So that nothing may frighten or worry us,
For, living close to You,
We shall see Your Hand,
Your Purpose, Your Will through all things.

      - St. Ignatius of Loyola

Dad - not a day goes by that I don't think about or talk to you, hoping you'd continue to lend an ear; provide some sage advice ; or just say hello Freddie, and make me laugh once more. 
Till we meet again
Thanks for being there always.  Love Smokie

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities, 
And then there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it - Dad.

Poppop, 
Its been one year since you left us. I miss you more every day, but I continue living. I think of you daily and smile at our memories. This past weekend I went to the supernatural convention. I thought about you through it all. I know you were there, as you adored the show just like i do. You would have loved to have met the cast. I kept thinking of how neat you would have found the whole thing. 
I will never stop missing you. But I know you are with me, experiencing my happy moments right over my shoulder.

As we grow older, we know how fleeting life is. to loose a life friend and guidepost is crushing blow and life thereafter is like a lost limb.  The sweet memory of what was may for moments revive you but the depression of the loss grows ever more desperate.

Shall I wither and fall like an autumn leaf,
From this deep sorrow - from this painful grief?
How can I go on or find a way to be strong?
Will I ever again enjoy life's sweet song?

Sometimes a warm memory sheds light in the dark
And eases the pain like the song of a Meadow Lark.
Then it flits away on silent wings and I'm alone;
Hungering for more of the light it had shone.

Shall grief's bitter cold sadness consume me,
Like a winter storm on the vast angry sea?
How can I fill the void and deep desperate need
To replant my heart with hope's lovely seed?

Then I look at a photo of your playful smiling face
And for a moment I escape to a serene happy place;
Remembering the laughter and all you would do,
Cherishing the honest, caring, loving spirit of you.

But then I fall back to the black hole that lives in my heart.

     It's been a year since you went with God into Heaven. I was by your side when he called you home. The days without you have been lonely and endless. I feel you all around me with every breath I take, with every step I walk. 
     You are in my heart and in my thoughts always. Our memories we made together are forever embedded in my heart and in my mind. Your tender, caring ways made you who you were. Your love for people and animals made you who you were. Your willingness to help others, whether they were family, friends, or acquaintances, you did from your heart without ever asking anything in return. 
Your devotion, love, and strength that you gave to me, your children, and grandchildren, will never be forgotten. Those are the memories I have of you.
     Your legacy lives on because in each one of us is a part of you... You are always and forever with those of us you left behind. 
     As I look into the Heavens, I know you are watching over us day after day.
What an inspiration you were and still are to me and your loved ones and all who had the gift of being a part of your life.
     There's a star out there named for you. Space always fascinated you since you were a young boy. Now, when I look up into the Heavens each night, I know one of those stars are watching over us.
     I miss you so much... Until we are together again I'll keep looking into the night sky for that star that is shining down on us.
Love you always, 
Your Dottie

Hello Daddy today is your birthday and we miss you so very much. I found a poem that speaks through my heart.

If tears could wash away our pain,
We would not feel such hurt again,
The heartbreak felt since you've been gone,
We wouldn't wish on anyone,
But today is your birthday,
So we'll have to be brave
And accept God's taken what first He gave. 
Love you Daddy. 
Your "Peanut" Barbara

Time has no boundaries.
Time has no end.
It's been 10 months since you left us (me).
It seems like a moment ago...
Each Day that you're gone is hard to bare.
I hear it said, "in time you'll feel stronger...in time it will be easier to remember without falling apart...".
But, that's not so.
Each day my memories of you are all around me, not only in what I see, but in my Heart.
I miss your loving smile, the way your eyes lit up when we looked at one another.
Your comforting words of love, wisdom, and caring, for everyone.
Most of all, I miss you and your love for your family- Your children, Patty, Freddie, and Barbara... your grandchildren who love, cherish, and miss you so much- their Pop-pop- Ashley Ann, Sarah Marie, Abrianna, and your daughter-in-law, Kathy and grandson-in-law, Jordan. And of course, your guys- Duma and Buster.
Time is not forgiving when you lose someone and the one we lost was You...

Happy Thanksgiving, Daddy... 10 months this week. It's difficult to believe how life can change so quickly in so short a time. It's difficult to believe that this time last year, you were here... and now you're not. We all miss you so very much, every day.

Dad -Last week it was 6 months following your funeral, as I type I still can not believe those words are true and yet here we are.  As many days have elapsed at a paradoxically  quick slow pace since loosing you - my father, mentor, confidant , and truest  friend- I thought that the sorrow and bitterness of losing you would get better at least a little bit by now .  Yet rather, the opposite seems to be, at least for the moment .
 
Pictures, sayings, TV shows, news topics, places around town all trigger memories from near and afar, though happy times quickly flood the mind, they are just as quickly replaced  with deep emotions of sadness, loneliness, and resentment (at what or whom I no longer can rationalize).

If there is truly a heaven I know you are there and perhaps selfish solace of some measure I can then obtain by some sort of validation.  If there is not then the strength of faith I've leant on too many times to count in my life will cease to be my net; and these raw feelings will even be  more true and meaningful. I pray that faith and elusive solace can coexist.

Good night for now dear friend and guardian, till we reach together the end of the trail overlooking eternal majestic sunsets.
 With love and true gratitude- your son

To My Freddie in Heaven:
     It's been 5 months since you left us and not a day goes by that you're not remembered just the way you were. Your love of who you were, what you were, how much love and care you gave to all that was around you- Your love of life and of people, whether you knew them all your life or just met them- Your love and devotion to animals, domestic or in the wild- And your love and care of nature. You loved the outdoors, the sun, the mountains, the waterways, and the sky.
Being you was what God intended for all mankind to be... So, my beloved husband, he took you back to care for others.
     Yes, God always has a plan, and for you, it is to help do God's work as only you can.
     In looking back to what we shared in 54 years of marriage, I know it was the best years of our lives. Memories that will live on forever not only through me, but through our children, Patty, Freddie, Barbara, your grandchildren, Ashley, Sarah, and Abrianna, and also Jordan. Your memory will also live on through all the people who you touched with your love, help, and humanity.
     What we live by in life is what we leave behind.  Memories.  All good and everlasting with you...
      Your Dottie

Daddy, I miss you more than words can say. 
Love Peanut

I am so sorry for your loss. I was thinking about your father and looked him up on the internet.

The Lord will be with your family to help you through these times.  I know  he will.  Love forever.  Peace to your family

Hey poppop 
I don't know what to say really but I want to talk to you. Yesterday I thought about you a lot and how I would have liked to tell you what happened in this class I took yesterday and how you would have been proud of me. I know you were probably there and probably already know what happened, but it's not the same.
This all still doesn't feel real when I think about it. I miss you a lot.
I missed going to st augustine on Easter with you. That parade was so corny but I just enjoyed being able to hang out in a place you took me as a child. 
Going to disney and universal next week and will finally be seeing the new Harry potter world. I will have you with me I'm sure. I know you will be saying how "neat" everything is. :)
I love you

ToDad03-29-2015

Dad - it's been 66.5 days since you left us and I am just as sad and raw with emotions and overwhelmed  as then- maybe more.  As I fly at 30.000 feet and read one of your Astronomy magazines it reminds me of the time you got me my telescope, the time you built me the viewing platform which blocked the neighbor lights so I could view the nebulas and the times we stayed in a cabin in the mountains in Wyoming in the middle of the clearing and looked up at the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxy with our naked eyes .... And now I feel sad and lonely.  But as I recall a chat with a nice gentleman servicing my AC yesterday, 3 yrs older than me, who lost his 77yr old parents when he was just 24- I realize how lucky I am to have had you in my life for as long as I did and all the memories I now have.  I also recall the moments I have had sitting in my own backyard looking through that same telescope you gave me but this time with my very special child of my own, Abrianna , who was only 7 or 8 and when I taught Abrianna and her sixth grade science classes about Stars' evolution and how surprised and delighted to see and hear their interest in astronomy- - none of those memories for me, Abrianna or her 45 classmates would never have been possible if you were not there for me when I  was young - Thanks to you and Mom I have fond memories to help me try to be a better person and heal- love always - til we meet again - Fred III

Hey poppop. 
Been thinking about you a lot. Work was really hard last shift. I was so tired and around 0500 this little Frozen toy in the corner of the unit started going off. It did it 3 times. No one around to have pushed the button. I thought maybe it could have been you letting me know you were with me during that hard shift. 
Love getting signs from you and miss you a lot !!
Love you

Hey poppop, 
I'm sitting quietly right now listening to the sounds of a florida summer outside. The cicadas, crickets, frogs, etc. this sound always reminds me of you. It reminds me of being small and even not so small and you pushing us into the pool. It reminds me of helping with yard work and getting covered in mud when it started to rain. It reminds me of going on outdoorsy day trips and trying not to get eaten by alligators  in the swamp. 
You have always been a friend to me not just a grandfather or father figure. We could sit and laugh and talk about tv shows. We could all go to halloween horror nights together and follow into the haunted houses behind you as you tried to scare all the monsters. We could dance to weird Christmas rap songs in the kitchen. I could go on and probably will in a later entry.
Please keep giving me signs. They are so comforting to me.
Know that I love you and appreciate and always have appreciated you and all of the memories you gave me.
Talk to you later on.

Hello Daddy, I just wanted to say "Hello". I feel you and think about you all the time every day. I think about family events. When I look across the head of the table and you're not there. You always made every celebration a day to remember. We will miss you always until we meet again. Talk to you later. I know you have lots of things to do...I don't want to keep you from that:):):)

Pop-Pop, I miss you so much. I wish you were still here so you could celebrate my birthday with me today. It doesn't feel right without you. Thank you for always being there for my birthdays before and I know you'll be there today. Thank you for everything you have taught me and all the endless times you have made me smile or laugh, you have helped make me who I am. I am so lucky to have a grandfather like you who touched so many people's lives, including mine. I love and miss you so much <3

Hey Pop-Pop,

I had my job fair today. I know we were talking about that before you left. Wish I could tell you about how it actually ended up going and stuff. Everything's still strange. Like I keep thinking "oh, I need to tell Pop-Pop that!" but then I can't. Like, I was having issues with my car and stuff a couple weeks ago. And then yesterday Spock from Star Trek died and I thought about telling you for a split second. This whole thing just sucks.

Love you,
Sarah

Daddy it's been so hard and doesn't seem real that I can't call the house and when I ask "Is mommy there" you say "This is mommy"..."but mom you don't sound so good". "I have a cold" you would say. That always made us laugh. So many things you said and did made us laugh. Thank you for giving me and all of us your dry sense of humor. I've talked to many people through out the years about you. The 3 week vacations every summer. Thank you for taking me to places I probably will never get to see again. Every Glacier National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, Disney World & Disney Land:)Thank you for having me watch the Mutual OF Omaha's National Kingdom, the Philadelphia Flyers and Mash.  Thank you for being a daddy for my Ashley. You were there for her from 3wks old until the day she got married. We are so happy that you walked her down the aisle. That was God's will. It was always meant to be. Love you, Barbara...'you're Peanut'.

Happy Valentines Day Pop-Pop! I love you so much! I hope you know how much you are loved by everyone <3 I wish you were here! Miss you so much.

Pop-Pop, I've been thinking about you a lot and it's really hard not having you around and being able laugh at one of your jokes or stories. Everyone always says you're with me and to always remember the good memories, but I don't want them to be just memories. I wish there was more time left to spend with you. I miss the endless laughter you shared with me and everyone aground you and the smile you brought to everyone's face, and most importantly the strength that you had to never give up and to always keep fighting. Life will never be the same without you. Thank you for all the times you came to my birthday parties,y dance recitals, school concerts, coming over to watch me when I was younger, taking me to church, the zoo, or picking me up from school. You brought so much joy into my life and know that you're gone a piece of me is gone too. It's hard knowing I will no longer have a grandfather on earth to be here with me to teach me, to guide me, to congratulate me, and to hug me. But until we meet again you will remain in my heart and I will find you in the beauty of nature. I will always love you and miss you and I will try my best "stay strong" like you told me to. Love always, you're grandaughter❤

Freddie, I miss you every minute of the day. I know you are with me as you always were in the days past. You gave me strength and courage to do whatever needed to be done and I feel you are still doing this. It's because of you that I must continue to carry on in your place. Our family will continue to feel and know your presence through me. But, it's so hard for me when I'm alone. My mind and heart wander to the wonderful days we had together. Every day with you was a cherished day. I never took our love and devotion for granted. You made me who I am today and I will continue to carry on where you left off. Your church service was so memorable. I know how proud you were of your children and grandchildren. They each spoke of how much you meant to the them. Their love as well as mine is with you forever. I truly feel whomever did not know you before the church service, knew you immensely when they left the church. I love you "with all me hearts"... Until we are together again... 
   Your Dottie

Okay, now that my rage is out there in the universe- I just remembered! POP-POP! I forgot to show you a picture of my braid from yesterday! My friend, Frances, did this super fancy braid in my hair! It's so fancy! I wish I could do something like that myself but I can never do anything like that because I'm not good at looking in the mirror and trying to do stuff to the back of my head. Still! Look how cool it is!

Poppop I miss you so much more everyday. It's so hard to accept that I will never see you. I miss all the little things we did and places we went together when I was younger and how everytime I went to your house I knew you would make me laugh or smile. I miss your sense of humor and your smile that you always had no matter what. I wish I had more time with you especially to see me graduate high school and someday my wedding day or any other special occasion. Knowing you won't be there hurts, but you'll be there in spirit and in my heart. I know you're with all the animals in Heaven and with my grandpa Phil as well and making everyone there laugh and feel happy and loved  like you did for me. I love and miss you so much. Love always, your granddaughter Abrianna.

Daddy. It's not getting any easier. The hole in my heart gets bigger everyday... I miss seeing you every morning and every night...I miss your laugh, your humor, your walk, your funny antics that always brightened my day. I miss your advice. But, mostly... I just miss you so terribly. You're in every chair, every room, every corner. It wasn't your time to go and knowing you didn't want to leave this world, your life, us, knowing how hard you tried to stay, makes this so much more unbearable. I love you so very much, Daddy.

Dad it's been only 2 weeks since you left us and one week since the funeral - a fitting tribute by all. Even the animals - dogs, foxes, redtailed Hawks, and raccoons came to pay their respect.  Only 2 weeks ago , yet it seems so far away.  I miss you terribly - you were my anchor in this crazy life. So many memories at times flash across my mind - hiking on Mt Ranier snow to the ice cave, the two of us in Stowe Vermont hotel being attacked by the giant tree bug, or when we and mom's dad built our screened in porch in NJ or when we planted the mail order Cinnese Redwoods (you were right 35 years later they are atleast 2x the height of our old 2 story NJ home) .... good times good memories - but unfortunately they will only be memories.  
Any one can be called "father" but it takes a very special man to earn being called "Dad".
Good night Dad - pray for us (I know you were fast-pathed into Heaven) - till we talk again -
Love always

I miss you a lot today. I miss you everyday but right now it's more so than the usual. I want to call you and tell you about work and my new job but I can't. I know I can always talk to you but I miss being able to hear your voice. 
I had the best grandfather/father I could have ever asked for. Thank you for everything. 
I am going to miss sitting and talking while eating a whole block of sharp cheddar cheese and sharing ice cream sandwiches under disney world fireworks. And so much more.
I love you

Dad -  Its been over 24 hours since the funeral and mass. I didn't think I could ever be prouder of you than I was each and every day of my life.  That is until after the last few days, whenI heard so many people that knew you say so many complimentary stories of you.  Your postive and loving nature that God bestowed on you  impacted so many lives than just the four of your remaining legacy.   

A few years ago at work, at a meeting discussing mentoring and learning I said one of the most influential mentors of my life is my father. Looking back at my life, it always gives me a chuckle when I know your little comment or veiled advice gave me the ability to tackle a problem in my life. You've also shown the way to love and care for a family you cherished. I know you will keep menotring me through my memories of you and from your heavenly place beside me. 

 You have ALWAYS been there for any member of your family- members of your family and your extended family always trusted your kind heart and tireless generosity.  If they asked you for help or guidance you did not refuse, it was your honor to give a helping hand. And family was always a certainty for you to help, especially if asked.  Those in heaven with you know the truth of your kindness and integrity.  Going back into a store and giving the clerk the extra few dollars they gave you by mistake was just natural for you - it was an honesty, integrity, and sacrifice which some will never attain but oft mock or are jealous of for lacking.

Thanks for all those memories I will cherish so so much until I meet you again - I owe you one more hike up a beautiful mountain trail to a green-blue glacial  lake.  Set the date on your calendar book in Heaven - I'll be there for that hike with you.  

While waiting for me, please thank  God / Jesus for letting me have you for all the time I had - the best dad, the best person, they most loyal friend, my buddy, and the funniest person I know.

Love ya' Dad !  Your Smokie

My sincerest condolences to the family. I always looked forward to my yearly meeting with Fred. He was a joy to be around, full of knowledge and wisdom, and loved to talk about his family. God bless you all.

Daddy, you and mommy always said that you were the lucky ones to have me still with you for so long. But, I've got a secret... you weren't. I was the lucky one. I was lucky to have you in my life each and every day. I was lucky to get to see your smile, hear your laughter, sit with you, talk with you, banter back and forth, and just be with you every day. I will miss hearing the love in your voice when you would say just two little words, "OK, Patty"... We shared a lot of memories and conversations over the past 50 years and I will miss more than I can ever express not having another 50 years more. I miss you more than these mere words can express. No time would have ever been enough; but, these past 2 weeks were so sudden and so unbearably hard not just for us, but for you. Rest, daddy, and know that I love you more than I can ever say. You were my everything and I will always be proud to say, "That's my dad..." We all me hearts... Patty

Daddy I love you. Thank you for always being there for Ashley and I. I know you are with God and all the Saints and Angels in heaven. Thank you for being there for us. I will miss your smile, your laugh, everything about you. You always made us smile:) Keep smiling up there. Keep the gate open for us.
Love Peanut,
"Barbie" Barbara Ann Schmidt

Our time together was made too short. Heaven was being with you everyday we were together. Having 54 years with you was a special blessing each day. I will miss you in so many ways. Your love of life. Your beautiful humor. Your love for helping everyone around you. Your love of life- both for the little things and the big that gave you you so much joy. The way you always made me laugh. The small things you did each day that always made me feel that I was the center of your world. You always thought of me first rather that yourself. You always put all others first before yourself. We began each day with "I love you" and ended each night with the same. We began our life together 54 years ago with "I love you" and ended it 54 years later with the same. But, Freddie, this is not the end for you and me because we will be together again. For now, know that "I love you with all me hearts"... as we always said to each other... Your Dottie

Daddy. 53 years was not long enough to have together... It should have been another 53. I was so very lucky to have had you in my life daily for so long. Yes, I was the lucky one, Daddy. I miss the physical you terribly; but, I feel your presence constantly so I know you are still here with me... Listening, watching, commenting with that dry sense of humor of yours. By the way, Dad, stop moving my cell phone... :) Someday, we will be together physically again, all of us. Meanwhile, watch over us and guide us to make the right decisions, or at least the wisest, just as you did when you were here. I know the babies in heaven are happy to be with you again- Skippy, Brownie, Simba, Emma, Peanut, Kashmir, and Maggie. Duma and Buster Wuster miss you so very much; but, I know they feel you with them. I love you, Daddy, with all me hearts- forever and always... Your Patty

Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the grievous loss to Dottie and the entire family.  Fred will be sorely missed by those of us fortunate to have been his neighbors.
In Fond Remembrance,

I can't believe the news of your passing! Working with you at Block was always a pleasure. I could call you as a resource on any issue and have complete confidence in the answer. Thank you for being a trustworthy person. Your kindness and willingness to help has always been appreciated. I know all of your clients will miss you as well. Your reputation was golden. :)

Hey Pop-Pop

It's easy to pretend like you're not really gone sometimes when I'm all the way in North Carolina. I'm kinda scared about going home because you actually won't be in the house. This whole thing still feels very unreal, but then I look at a photo of you or something and it hits me that I know I won't see you again. Like...the photo I took of you at the freaking olive garden like less than seven months ago is your obituary photo and this guest book photo. When we were Black Friday shopping for you, you never even got to wear half of the clothes we got you. We even got you a new fancy blazer and a new cardigan and you never even got to wear them.

You were fine a few weeks ago. I think that's the part that makes this so hard to grasp. You were sitting at the counter on your new computer and I didn't even know it was new. There's so many times that I was around you that I took for granted because I was so used to seeing you around. But I guess that's true of anyone you see every day. And then I guess I sort of just convinced myself that nothing was going to happen. I remember texting my friend Meon the day we knew Dr. Billingsley had "bad news" to relay.

"Personally I think it's going to be fine because of my psychic intuition but everyone's really upset because it might not be because Dr. Billingsley said it wasn't good."

And that's kind of the mentality that I had the entire two weeks. I was convinced that something was going to happen at the last second to fix everything. I knew pancreatic cancer would eventually be terminal, but I convinced myself that you'd at least live five years. If you at least had five more years you'd get to see me graduate, maybe be at my eventual wedding to who knows who, etc. I remember when I googled pancreatic cancer it said some people only live 3-6 months and I was freaked out about THAT! Two weeks. Two freaking weeks. Are you kidding me? How is anyone supposed to prepare for that? How were YOU supposed to prepare for that? I know you didn't want to die. And that's also what makes this hard. When people try to say "at least he's not suffering anymore" I feel like thats not even applicable because it only legit started once you got the pneumonia!!! 

I wish I hadn't taken a nap in the hospital room the last night I was there. I know everyone wanted me to because I had to drive eight hours and I kept nodding off. But...that was my last hour with you and I wasted it. Someone said to me the other day "at least you got to say goodbye" because I went back down to Jacksonville last weekend...but I don't feel like I did say goodbye. Because I WASN'T saying goodbye to you. Because I convinced myself that wasn't the last time I was going to see you. You were doing BETTER that day! You were transferred out of ICU!!!!!! I just don't understand.

Anyway...I know I'm supposed to say something brief and not talk about my frustrations involving the situation. But if you were here you know I'd say this to you anyway, so I figure it doesn't make a difference if I talk like normal on here. 

I hope you know how much I really did/do love you. Sometimes I'm afraid I didn't make it clear enough. Sometimes I'm afraid I don't make it clear enough to anybody, really. I guess I have a hard time with that. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it.

I'm not going to say that I feel you around me. Because I don't like the idea of you being non-corporeal. Also if I'm doing something dumb like not doing my homework because I'm writing this, I don't like the idea that you somehow see me. I don't like the idea of thinking that I can't call the house and have you pick up the phone using some weird voice and pretending like you're someone else. So I guess I'll just settle for writing on here. And maybe eventually I'll come to terms with what happened to you.

I love you Pop-Pop,
Sarah

We are so saddened to hear of Uncle Fred's passing. The obituary is a testament to how I remember him with his quick wit and dedication to his family. You are all in our prayers.  Love, Chris Evan, Lauren, and Sloan Weible

It's been a few days since you went home, and it doesn't seem real. I talk to you all the time, but writing to you here helps too. 
I can't believe you are up in heaven already. Selfishly, I wish we had longer together. But I know that you are free of pain and in such a wonderful place now. 
I just wanted to say again, that I miss you and love you.

My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.

Poppop I am so lucky to have you as a grandfather. I miss you so much and I will keep all our memories in my heart forever. I know you are with me everyday. I love you so much!

Poppop I miss you so much! I feel you around me all the time. I'm so glad that we have had so many happy memories in my life. You gave me your sense of humor and that will live on in me forever. I know you will always be with me.
Love you
Pumpkin

OBITUARY

Frederick William Schmidt Jr.

Born JANUARY 18, 1939

Oaklawn Cemetery

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