Albert F. "Bud" Schmidt Jr.

Albert F. "Bud" Schmidt Jr. Eaton Rapids Albert F. (Bud) Schmidt Jr. of Eaton Rapids passed away on February 23, 2011 at the Eaton Community Hospice House at the age of 86. Bud was born March 21, 1924 in Lansing, Michigan to the late Albert and Eulalia Schmidt. After graduating from Dansville High School, he served as a proud veteran of World War II in the 801st Aviation Engineers Battalion, U.S. Army. Bud spent his career working in the family grocery business as President of Schmidt's Super Markets. Bud's leadership was exemplified by his service as a board member for Sparrow Hospital, American Bank & Trust Company and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a Commissioner for the Lansing Police and Fire Board. He was past president of Old Newsboys and Fairview Elementary School PTA; he organized food service for Lansing Area Safety Council's Safety Patrol Picnics; helped organize adult crossing guard appreciation dinners; started Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ chicken dinners; sponsored the Lansing Pops Concert series and was an Eastern High School booster. Bud was a long-serving volunteer at Eaton Community Hospice as the "Sunday Cook" preparing the evening meal for the Hospice patients and families, as well as overseeing the food for special events and fundraisers. He volunteered for the Boy Scouts of America for which he received the Silver Beaver Award. Bud also received the "Man Of The Year" Award from the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce; the Citizenship Award from Kiwanis Club of Lansing and the Russell A. Lawler Humanitarian Award. Bud spent his retirement years farming in Eaton Rapids, raising beef cattle, growing fresh vegetables, camping and traveling. Bud was the devoted husband of Eileen Monroe Schmidt, his first wife of 50 years who passed away in 1994, and his second wife, Margaret Kyser Schmidt, who survives him. He was the proud father of Alan F. Schmidt, Cheryl K. (David) Emerson, Paul C. (Linda) Schmidt, Charles P. Schmidt, Mark Wilcox and Michael Raby. He is survived in the hearts of his grandchildren, Alana Fox, Alissa Allen, Alexa (Ben) Colestock, Grant (Katie) Schmidt, Reid Schmidt, Shawna Schmidt, Garrett Schmidt and special friend Amy Hackel, Travis Wilcox and Micalyn Wilcox. Great-grandchildren include Mikayla Fox, Mackenzie Fox, Mckinley Fox, Mckinnon Fox and Logan Schmidt. Also surviving is his sister, Bette Hotchkin of Florida along with many nieces and nephews. Bud was preceded in death by sisters, Alberta Lee and Pauline Smith. Funeral services were held on Monday, February 28, 2011 at the Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Holt-Delhi Chapel, with Pastor Larry Schrauger officiating. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to Eaton Community Hospice, 2675 South Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.palmerbush.com.