Philip J. "Phil" Schmidt

SCHMIDT Philip J. Philip J. "Phil" Schmidt, age 86, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2008, at Lake Park Hospice after a valiant fight with cancer. He was born in Niagara Falls, New York to Felix and Anna (Nyitraii) Schmidt and moved to Toledo as a young child. Graduating from Libbey High School in 1939, he proudly served his country during WWII in the Navy as a Seabee at Guadalcanal. An ambitious and hard-working man, Phil was a fireman for the City of Toledo as well as a precise and exacting tool and die machinist. He introduced his children to classical music and jazz as well as a love of learning and an avid interest in the arts. Retiring in 1980, he and his wife, Dottie, enjoyed travelling throughout the United States, Europe and wintering in Florida. Phil was a loyal friend to many. He lived well and laughed often. Those who knew him respected his character and integrity and appreciated his generous and loving nature. Phil is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dorothea "Dottie" Schmidt; daughters, Karen (Frederick) Pease of Maumee, Anne (Craig) Kline-LaBonte of LasVegas, NV and Phylis Klimas of Toledo; stepson, Kenneth (Lucille) Nickens of Rossford; grandchildren, Philip (Laura) Pease, Janette (William) Cooper, Matthew Pease, Michelle (Angela) Wernert, Adam Kline, and Zachary Kline; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Evelyn D. Neafie of San Antonio, TX, and special niece, Christine Krause. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepson, Charles Edward Maher. His life will be celebrated with family and friends at visitation on Wednesday, October 1 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Blanchard-Strabler Funeral Home, 1163 W. Sylvania Ave., with a "Last Alarm" service to be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday, October 2 at Memorial Lutheran Church (Douglas near Monroe) beginning at 10 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Memorial donations are suggested to the Toledo Firefighters Museum or the Lutheran Homes Society. Special thanks to the ICU nurses at Flower Hospital for their loving care. Online condolences: blanchardstrabler.com