Carole Jane Schmidt

Carole passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 at McLaren Bay Region with her family by her side at the age of 88. She was born July 28, 1936 to the late Emil and Jane (Brown) Merkle in Bay City, Michigan. Carole was a lifelong member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church. She also sang in the church choir. Carole enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, quilting, sewing, reading, doing various puzzles, never missed an episode of Jeopardy and spending time with her grandchildren.

Carole is survived by her children, Matthew Schmidt and Greta (Michael) Andaluz; grandchildren, Ryan (Kayla) Schmidt and David (Fiancé Alexus Becerril) Schmidt; great grandchildren, Brayden, Emma, Hunter, Wylee, Caroline, Chloe, Cullen and Gerald; brother, Jon William; sisters-in-law, Anna, Margaret, and Mary Lynn Merkle; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Carole was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Schmidt who passed in 2017; siblings, James Merkle, Lorna Mae Woodard, Emil Merkle Jr., Thomas William Sr. Dale Merkle; grandson, Greg (Courtney Clark) Schmidt; and sister-in-law, Ruth Merkle.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Pastor Paul E. Schaewe with private interment at Floral Gardens Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home and on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church (www.st.jonsbc.org).