Frederick "Fred" Joseph Schmidt

After a brief illness, Fred Schmidt left this life to begin a new journey. Until his recent retirement, Fred was a Custom Architectural Draftsman, owning his own company, Max Drafting, working with clients all over the Midwest.  He was a past Commander of The American Legion Post #44 in Harrison and especially enjoyed the Jack Williams Awards which recognized outstanding individuals who serve their communities.  Fred was a people person who left an indelible impression on those he met especially on Legion Bingo nights at the Elks Club. Also, through the Legion, he enjoyed serving hot chocolate at the Harrison Christmas Parade. 

After moving to Arkansas, Fred took up fishing, as he would say, “It's fishing, not catching”, with a fellow Legionnaire and neighbor. An excellent host and he and his wife enjoyed entertaining. Fred, always a good cook, loved baking sweet treats for friends and was extremely proud of his glazed bundt cakes, brownies and cinnamon raisin bread He became an avid front porch bird watcher and used to joke about the fortune spent on bird seed, peanuts and peanut butter to feed a myriad of birds and squirrels. Other times, mostly in the summertime, he would sit on the front porch watching the world go by and wave at folks he knew. Our front porch sign reads “Welcome to our Porch Yall” and would encourage friends to stop, visit, perhaps enjoy some refreshment and relax.

In the fall and winter, Fred was a hopeful football fan of the Chicago Bears.  Fred was a loving husband, proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Rosemary (Kuzel) Schmidt.

Fred left behind his beloved wife of 44 years, Sandra, his only son, Brian (Courtney) Schmidt, three step sons, Shawn (Kathy) Begalka, Corey Begalka and Matthew (Rebecca) Begalka. Eight grandchildren, Andrew Schmidt, Kevin Schmidt, Justin (Kristen) Begalka, Jacob Begalka, Krysta (Cesar) Lira, Summer Begalka, Kyle (Ann) Begalka, and Inariya Begalka. And three great grandchildren Junalynn Begalka, Ava Begalka and Audi Lira. And a brother, Michael Schmidt, sister Maureen Schmidt, sister Debbie (Steve) King and sister Laura (Kyle) Hartman and many nieces and nephews.