Paul M. Schmidt

Name: Paul M. Schmidt

Calling Hours: Monday, May 30th from 2 to 9 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton and Tuesday May 31st from 9:30 am to 11 am at St. Richard Catholic Church

Service Hours: Tuesday, May 31st at 11:00 am at St. Richard Catholic Church

Paul M. Schmidt, age 90, of Swanton, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. He was born on September 26, 1920, in Monroe, Michigan, to J. Lawrence and Hilda (Kieffer) Schmidt. Before moving to Swanton in 1937, he attended St. Joseph Elementary and Burnham High School in Sylvania. After the move, he assisted his father on the family farm. Following his father’s death in 1942, he and his brother, Robert, formed Schmidt Bros. ,a successful business specializing in vegetable production. In 1951, they built their first greenhouses to grow vegetable transplants. In subsequent years, they incorporated flowers. Throughout the 50’s and 60’s, their brother, James (Mick), joined them in the operation. The farm continues today, run by Paul’s sons, nephews and grandchildren.

On August 11, 1945, he married the love of his life, Helen F. Fritsch. Together, they enjoyed boating, gardening, and their many trips to Florida to visit family and friends. As an avid boater, he was an active member of Bayview Yacht Club and Toledo Power Squadron. He also served as secretary of the Swanton Township Zoning Board, was a member of Toledo Area Vegetable Growers and the Ohio Farm Bureau. As a man of faith, he was a longtime member of St. Richard Catholic Church, a member of Knights of Columbus, and a charter member of the St. Richards Crusader Athletic Development Association. Paul played the violin, enjoyed entertaining his family with his harmonica and could often be heard singing or whistling. He was quick witted and had an active social life. He quoted his friends as saying, “Schmidty, you are going to die young! You work too hard and play too hard!” He had a soft heart for those suffering hardships and quietly assisted many throughout his life.

Left to cherish Paul’s memory are his wife of 65 years, Helen, children Polly (Ron) Berkebile, Joe (Cheryl) Schmidt, Elaine Schmidt, Bill (Barb) Schmidt, Barb Ransom, Nancy (Jeff) Traudt, Jane (Larry) Doyle, Betsy (Dave) Vaughn, Lisa (Jeff) Lambert, and Mike (Jenny) Schmidt, 28 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Catherine (Don) Frederick and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and his special feline friend, Goldie. He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Kathleen, grandson, Tim Berkebile, great-granddaughter, Lily Schmidt, and brothers Robert and James.

Visitation will be Monday, May 30, at Weigel Funeral Home, Swanton, from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, May 31, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Richards Catholic Church, until the funeral Mass begins at 11 a.m., with Father Dan Zak officiating. Interment will follow at East Swanton Cemetery on Scott Road.

Paul’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to caregivers Pam, Margie, Jill, Rosie, Angie, Shelly, Rachel and the Swanton Rescue Squad. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial contribution consider St. Richard Catholic Church or Swanton Rescue Squad.

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Interment: East Swanton Cemetery