Michael Mike K Schmidtchen

Portland – Michael Kenneth Schmidtchen, 41, of Cumberland died Monday August 29, 2011 as a result of injuries from a motorcycle accident. Recognizing that Mike was a man who truly cared about those around him he gave permission for organ donation and his family would like to encourage such gift giving to others as one of the most selfless and meaningful acts we can do for each other.

Mike was born on November 17, 1969 at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi, a son of Ardith (Chilleri) and Leonard Schmidtchen. He grew up in Oklahoma, Alaska, Florida, England, Washington (state) and Massachusetts where he graduated from Chicopee High School, Class of 1987. He has lived in the Portland area for over 20 years working in property management, primarily with parking facilities.

Mike enjoyed motorcycle riding with his partner and companion, Betsy, fishing, boating and swimming at the family camp, science fiction, and bowling. Along with Betsy’s two daughters, Mike experienced the richness of family life and he will be remembered for being supportive and that his teasing was his sign of affection. His family was made all the greater with the birth of his two grandsons. The special bond that existed with Hunter could best be described as best buddies.

Mike projected a tough exterior, a very dry sense of humor, often with an edge of sarcasm that, wouldn’t you know it, protected a soft center of being.

Mike is survived by his love and best friend, Elizabeth “Betsy” Schumacher of Cumberland; his parents Ardith and Leonard Schmidtchen of Strafford, NH; his two daughters: Ashley Schumacher; Emily (Schumacher) Moker and her husband Joseph and their sons: Hunter Russo and Jasper Moker; his sister Jennifer Ray; his nieces Lizz, Emily and Hannah and grandniece Lily.

A gathering to celebrate Mike’s life will be held on Saturday September 3, 2011 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, ME. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Mike’s life and to share your condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

For those who wish, donations may be made to: American Cancer Society, NE Division, Inc., One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086