Howard Schmid

1934 - 2014

HOWARD SCHMID MERRILLVILLE/GARY
Howard Schmid, age 80, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully with his wife at his side at St. Anthony's Hospice in Crown Point, Indiana on October 26, 2014. Howard was born in 1934 in Gary, Indiana and proudly served our country in the US Army and was a member of the American Legion Merrillville Post 430. He was an avid reader and exemplary scholar all his life. He loved to share books and especially loved to share his knowledge of history and English. He won a state-wide essay contest his second year in high school. That was the first time he believed his calling would be to become a teacher. Howard taught at East Gary for seven years, Tolleston for one year and Lew Wallace High School for 26 years. He was so proud that two of his students won the Post Tribune Poetry writing contest. One year, Howard took his 11th grade students and entered them in a state wide government contest. They placed second overall. Howard was an excellent duplicate bridge player. He was president of Unit 154 Area 6 District 8 of the ACBL. He won 13 regional events and many sectional events. Howard was a Life Master Bridge player, playing many local games and tournaments over the years. He was very close to 5000 master points to achieve the rank of Diamond Life Master. After teaching during the day, Howard taught Duplicate Bridge classes at Indiana University and Purdue University. Howard was also a fine bowler for years before he played bridge. He was president of the Gary Classic League, Post Tribune bowler of the week and winner of several tournaments. He also enjoyed teaching children how to bowl for ten years. He and his wife Veronica won a bowling doubles tournament together, however the tournament he was most proud of was winning a father and daughter tournament with his then 12-year-old daughter, Sandra. He shot a big 500, but she shot a big 600. Howard was a member of the New St. George Romanian Orthodox Church at 17601 Wentworth Avenue in Lansing Illinois. Howard was an amazing grandfather, focusing his life around his family and loved ones. He loved all of his grandchildren. He was the "best grandpa ever". He loved Halloween with his grandchildren and was so excited about it until his last days. Howard is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 37 years, Veronica Anne Schmid; daughter, Sandra Bukur; son, Gary Schmid; daughter, Monica Witt (Kurt Schmutz); and son, David Witt (Moni); sister, Clara Behrendt (Carl); nephew, Eric Behrendt and niece, Heidi Nikou; and grandchildren: Danijela, Vesna, Djurica, Amalia, Maxwell, Gianna and Samantha. He also leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful friends and extended family, both near and far. Howard will forever be in our hearts. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at New St. George Romanian Orthodox Church, 17601 Wentworth Avenue, Lansing, IL at 11:00 AM with Rev. Fr. Ioan Ionita officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 from 3:00 PM-8:00 PM at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN. A prayer service will be offered at 6:30 PM. For further information, please call 219-736-5840. www.calumetparkfuneral chapel.com