Herbert Louis Schmidt

1928 - 2025

Herbert Louis Schmidt was a Fredericksburg native whose life was filled with hard work ethic, deep love, and that authentic Texas grit worthy of inspiration. Born in August of 1928, Herbert grew up in Fredericksburg. By the time most kids were still figuring out bicycles, he was sweeping floors for a paycheck at Lange & Nebgen's Red & White store. A year later, at just 13 years old, he was already wiring entire homes for Duecker Electric, long before most folks are even trusted with a toolbox. That early drive set the tone for the rest of his life. In 1956, he founded Herbert Schmidt Electric, and now nearly 70 years later, it's still here in Fredericksburg and still family owned. Herbert was a proud Battlin' Billie, playing football throughout high school.

The real prize came when he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Danz, in 1947. They were married for 71 wonderful years until her passing in 2018, building a family full of love, laughter, and legacy, six children, fifteen grandchildren and a whole bundle of great-grandchildren. He always said, "They are hard to keep count of, but easy to love."

His work as an electrician even lit up history, literally. Herbert wired up President Lyndon B. Johnson's ranch in Stonewall, a story he told with pride. He and Mary Lou traveled across the country by train, visiting places like Canada, the Grand Canyon, and Mackinaw Island, but always said nothing beats the Hill Country sunrise with a plate of German pancakes and dried sausage.

He gave back generously to his community, serving as a volunteer firefighter in Fredericksburg for 25 years, ushered at the Methodist Church and stayed active with the Lions Club, Jaycees, and the Band Boosters.

Herbert had a creative streak. He spent years sketching portraits of his children and grandchildren, and his gentle talent spoke volumes about the kind of man he was, steady, thoughtful, and full of heart. He loved to share stories, his wit, and his warm smile with everyone he met. He was the kind of man who reminds us what true legacy looks like, not just in what he built, but in the people he raised, the lives he touched and the community he helped shape.

Herbert was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Danz Schmidt; parents, Eugene and Selma Rech Schmidt; son, Dorman Schmidt; great-grandson, Creed Edwin Beyer; one sister and two brothers.

He is survived by five children, Bobby Schmidt (Debbie), Pamela Koenig (Don), daughter-in-law Vicki Schmidt, Nancy Gerow (Mike), Bonnie Eckhardt, Michael Schmidt (Lisa), 15 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

We, his family, were truly blessed to have had him as our father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. We love you forever, Dad, (Opa).

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church with Funeral Services at 2 p.m.

Graveside services and interment will follow in Der Stadt Friedhof.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Fredericksburg United Methodist Church Foundation, Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department, Gillespie County Fair Scholarship Fund or to the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg, Texas.