Helen Schmidt

Helen Frances (Fritsch) Schmidt, 88, born March 16, 1924 to Lawrence and Emma (Schetter) Fritsch entered her eternal home on Saturday, May 26, 2012. She attended St. Elizabeth Catholic School and graduated from Sylvania Burnham High School. Active in theater and music, Helen played the trombone in the marching band and won state honors her senior year for her leading role in Burnham’s drama production. After graduation she worked as a bookkeeper at Chevrolet until her marriage to Paul Marcus Schmidt on August 11, 1945, after which time she was actively involved in many aspects of building Schmidt Bros. Farm and Greenhouses into a successful business. Married 65 years, Paul and Helen enjoyed a full life gardening, boating, traveling, and spending time with their children and their families. Paul predeceased Helen on May 25, 2011.

Helen enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and doing crossword puzzles. She had an impressive ability to correctly answer questions on Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Always a gracious hostess, she entertained countless friends and family throughout the years.

Helen was as sweet as the chocolate she loved, and had a gentle strength that was an inspiration to her family. More notable than her accomplishments was her positive outlook, unending patience, and kindness to all.

Helen was a long-time parishioner of St. Richard Catholic Church where she was active in the Rosary Altar Society. She was also a member of the Bay View Yacht Club Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as secretary for a number of years.

Helen is survived by her children Polly (Ron) Berkebile, Joe (Cheryl) Schmidt, Elaine Schmidt, Bill (Barb) Schmidt, Barbara Ransom, Nancy (Jeff) Traudt, Jane (Larry) Doyle, Betsy (Dave) Vaughn, Lisa (Jeff) Lambert, Mike (Jenny) Schmidt; 27 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister, Rosemary de Bruyn, brothers John and Donald Fritsch, many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by infant daughter Kathleen, grandsons Shane Schmidt and Tim Berkebile, great-granddaughter Lily Schmidt, and sisters Bernadine Natter, Mary Alice Byersmith and Kathryn Gabel.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 30th at Weigel Funeral Home Swanton from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary service at 8 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday, May 31st at 10 a.m. at St. Richard Catholic Church, until the funeral Mass begins at 11 a.m. Father Dan Zak will officiate. Interment will follow at East Swanton Cemetery on Scott Road.

Helen’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to caregivers Pam, Margie, Jill, Rosie, Angie, Rachel, Monica and Codie, as well as to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. They would also like to thank Father Dan Zak for his visits and spiritual support.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial contribution consider St. Richard Catholic Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Please click on photo below to view Memorial Tribute

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Visitation: Wednesday, May 30th from 3 to 9 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Mass of Resurrection: Thursday, May 31st at 11:00 am at St. Richard Catholic Church

Interment: East Swanton Cemetery