Tributes

Edward Roy Schmidt was called home on July 22, 2017 in Lake City. He was born April 7, 1926 in Detroit to the late Edward and Mary (Pearl) Schmidt. Ed served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corp. He supported all our veterans and was a member of the American Legion Post #557 – Dexter for 53 years. Ed married Val Rae Jean Sulkowski-Geer on January 22, 1972. After 31 years with ANR Truck Lines, Ed retired in 1988. He was fondly known around Dexter as “The friendly Associated driver”.An avid homing pigeon flyer from 13 years of age until late into his 80’s, his lofts produced many a great racing bird. As a member of various homing pigeon clubs, he raced on a regular basis. Many Saturdays and Sundays Ed could be found in the back yard sitting in a chair, watching the sky, waiting for his birds to come home. When a bird came in he would hold the bird carefully, grab the band, and clock the bird. He never tired of the sport, never tired of seeing a bird come home, fold its wings, and land on the loft. The races and awards he won are too numerous to count.Ed was also an avid hunter. He made many successful trips to the Upper Peninsula and out west to Colorado and Wyoming. He always bagged a deer, antelope, or elk and there are many trophy mounts proving his success as well as a custom made buckskin jacket. A great story teller, you could count on Ed telling you about growing up in Detroit with many weekend trips to Patterson Lake. He also told tales of staying all summer long at the lake and how several relatives owned cottages grouped closely together. Ed was very fond of Patterson Lake and in the mid-1950’s he left the city to live at the lake year round. Eventually, Ed and Val moved “up north” to Lake City, MI. He enjoyed the outdoors and could be found feeding the birds, doing a little gardening, or just enjoying the sunshine. Besides his wife, Val, Ed is survived by a large blended family. Ed’s legacy includes his children Lori (Ernie) Chanyi of Pinckney, MI, Kim (Dan) Henry of Pinckney, MI, Edward H. Schmidt of Gregory, MI, Vickie (Rod) Cozart of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Philip (Connie) Geer of Greenville, MI. His 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, three sister-in-laws, and many friends.Ed loved his family and friends. He always talked fondly of his parents, his brothers, Ron and Ray, as well as many aunts and uncles all preceding him in death.The family wants to thank Munson Hospice and our good friend, Colleen Lueck, for the care and support provided to Ed during his last days. A graveside service will be held on August 5, 2017 at Lake City Cemetery, off M-66, in Lake City Michigan, at 12 PM. Family and friends are all welcome. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Munson Hospice or the charity of your choice in Ed’s honor.Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Edward Schmidt

April 7, 1926 - July 22, 2017