Clarence L. Schmidt

Clarence L. Schmidt; age 106 North Port, Florida/Richland, Michigan ?If I wanted to live my life over again, I wouldn?t change a thing? And so was the attitude of Clarence Schmidt when interviewed on the recent celebration of his 106th birthday and return to Michigan. Born in Chicago, Dec. 21st, 1900 Clarence had a passion for sports, playing cards, and canoeing as he learned the Tool and Die trade in the Chicago area. The trade served him well except for a brief stint during the Great Depression when he became General Manager of a resort in Lake County Indiana. While there he was deputized to take part in a man-hunt for John Dillinger following his escape from the Lake County jail in Crown Point. Clarence was married to Viola Griffin for 54 years before her death in 1976. They enjoyed many years working with Lutheran Church. It was the marriage of their daughter Joan Jud Knapper and her move to Michigan that saw Clarence and Vi resettle from Chicago to Richland. Working in design and prototyping with several area manufacturers Clarence retired in 1969 to enjoy his family. Following Vi?s death and while serving as the sexton for the Richland Presbyterian Church and singing in the choir, he met and later married Marie Cole, enjoying 18 years with her in their home in North Port Florida before her death. While in Florida, Clarence enjoyed visits from his family, annual driving trips home to Michigan, Bocce, Pinochle, and Shuffle tournaments, bowling leagues at the ELKS. It was the death of his daughter Joan, in April of 2005 that led to his decision to leave Florida and move back to Michigan which he did just this past Christmas time. The cold weather and icy roads precluded him from using his much polished driving skills despite having a valid Florida license. He spent nearly everyday since his move enjoying friends and family, son-in-law Jud Knapper, grandson Tim Joni Knapper, and their daughters, Stephanie, Elizabeth and Sara, Grand-daughter Karen Jon Koets and sons, Joshua and Robbie, as well as Marie?s Children, Tom Lori Cole and MaryLou Dan Kuhn and their son and daughters. All touched by Clarence will remember him for his kindness, compassion, positive attitude, love for life, and clever card skills. He was the quintessential Grandpa to all who knew him! A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3026 S. 9th St. with Rev. Shan Martin officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 7-9 PM. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Gull Lake School Foundation, 11775 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083.