He is predeceased by his loving wife Julie Anne (nee: Edwards) Schmidt and survived by his sister Mauvette (nee: Schmidt) Adams and brother Jordan. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces and grand-nephews and nieces all who loved him dearly.
After graduating from Romeo High School, Don spent his adult life in the waters around the world and in our Great Lakes. He retired honorably from the United States Coast Guard in 2000, as a Chief Boatswain’s Mate, after serving over 41 years as a serviceman and a reservist. He owned and operated a marine rescue and salvage operation in Harrison Township and was a fixture on the lakes. His Tug Boat the Julie Anne (named after his wife) was the fastest and strongest tug in her class on the Great Lakes for many years, and won countless trophies from the Marine Day Tug Boat Races between the United States and Canada.
Don was a great fisherman, knew all the best spots and told tales that were both wonderful to listen to and hard to believe… His sense of humor was unrivaled and he had a heart of gold. Don went out of his way to help others by participating in charitable events, as a member of the Old Crowd, and offering a loving home to many forgotten cats and dogs along the way.
Don Schmidt will be greatly missed by his family, friends, fellow servicemen, and many others in the community. When you think of him over the coming weeks and months don’t think of him as gone, instead, think of him as gone fishing.
Please share a memory or two with the family at www.KaulFuneralHome.com
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