Native son and long-time east-side resident Robert Alt Schmidt died peacefully Monday, August 22, 2016 at The Clark Home on Franklin Street where he had lived for the past 8 years. Born in 1929, he was the eldest son of Robert Bernerd Schmidt & Isabelle Schmidt, also life-long local residents. Mr. Schmidt graduated from East High School and Grand Rapids Junior College, distinguishing himself in math and science. After earning a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Mr. Schmidt served as a cryptographer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He spent his professional years as an engineer at McDonnell-Douglas, E.W. Bliss, Kelvinator, Comstock, plus a few years at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY. In retirement, he helped people prepare and file tax returns at H & R Block during tax season. Legendary for his thrift, Mr. Schmidt was equally noted for his keen mind, droll humor, and generosity not only toward his nephews & grand-nephews, but as a long-serving volunteer for the Boy Scouts and Big Brothers / Big Sisters. Mr. Schmidt was also an active parishioner of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and a member of the Mensa Society. He is survived by his younger brother Greg (Joan), and Greg’s 4 sons and 7 grandsons who all think the world of “Uncle Bob”. A memorial service will be held August 29 at noon at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids. Rev. Scott Nolan of St. Stephen Catholic Church officiating. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park.
