Ricky Arthur Schmidt

Ricky (Rick) Schmidt, auctioneer and owner of The Finest Antiques in Bay City, died May 29 following a courageous battle with cancer. He grew up on the Schmidt Family Farm in Frankenlust Township and is preceded in death by his parents, Ira “Ike” and Ann Schmidt. 

Rick developed a strong work ethic and business savvy on the farm. He graduated from T.L. Handy High School in 1972 and later worked as a diesel mechanic. He attended the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, graduating to become an Auctioneer in 1983. After establishing The Finest Auction Company, he attended real estate school to also become a licensed commercial real estate agent. He conducted countless estate sales, antique appraisals, and benefit auctions in the Tri-City area and became the premier collector of Bay City Brewing Company’s “The Finest” beer pre and post-prohibition memorabilia.  

Rick was a lifelong Bay City area resident. For several years, he also kept a winter home in Florida. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, a charter member of Michigan’s “Dog Gone Good” Chapter of the National Association of Breweriana Advertising, a member of the Beer Can Collectors of America, the Rotary Club, the Bay City Chamber of Commerce, and the Bay City Wine Club.

He is survived by his siblings: Randy (Karen) Schmidt, Rhonda (Tom) Habowski and Renee Deshano. 

He also leaves behind his children: Tiffany (George Ingersoll, Jr.), Joshua (Gina Katzmark), Hope (Selim Comert), and their mother, Debra Schmidt.

His grandchildren include Cohl (Payton) Kerkau, Cameron (Payge) Kerkau, Cayden Kerkau and George Ingersoll, III. His great-grandchildren are Ira and Meadow Kerkau. 

Rick will also be deeply missed by his significant other of 10 years, Annette George, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Pallbearers will be Todd Gray, Brian Miska, Dan McShane, Tim Slachta, Bob Karoob and Larry Madajski.

Gephart Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling the arrangements. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 3, from 1 pm to 8 pm at Gephart Funeral Home and on Tuesday, June 4, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Frankenlust in Bay City, beginning at 10:30 a.m. until the service at noon.

During Rick’s cancer journey, he received more than a dozen lifesaving blood transfusions. It would mean a lot to his family if you made a blood or platelet donation in his honor.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to wishes of the family.