John Schmidt Sr.

John A. Schmidt, 90, of Riga, Michigan passed away Friday April 3, 2026, at NWO Hospice at Ebeid.

John is survived by his children, Sue (Ralph) DeShetler, Lue Schmidt, Jean (Vince Mezinko) Sieler, Holly (Jeff) Bunge, John, Jr (Betty) and Peggy (Steve) Papenhagen; grandchildren, Jay, Mindy, Shelby, Amy, Jennifer, Cody, Jesse, Alex, Jed, Joel, Jack, Jim, Janie, Connor, Halie, Cody, Cheyanne, Chloe and Brock; 37 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; sister Mary Lue Bill and sisters-in-law Pat LaRoy and Betty Ann LaRoy. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley (LaRoy) Schmidt, grandchildren Kevin John and Allan Paul DeShetler and great grandchild Eliza Jane Bunge.

John was a hard-working, fun-loving man who farmed his entire life, taking on the responsibilities of the family farm at age 18 when his father passed. He married Shirley J. LaRoy Feb. 2, 1957. Together they farmed and raised six children. Growing vegetables, as well as grains, there was always plenty of work and fun to be had. Over the years, many local adults and children spent much of their summers working in the packing shed or going to the Detroit Eastern Market, learning the value of work and more importantly that it was possible to work hard and have fun while doing it. In the off season, they enjoyed trips up north, deer hunting escapades, playing cards, bus trips to Nashville and the casino. Their life was filled with family, friends and fun.

Later in life, John could often be found at sporting events of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always had a smile and his signature fist bump or thumbs up for everyone. At age 90, he was living proof that ice cream or a Frosty is good for you any time of day, before or after a meal.

His was a life well lived; he will be missed by so many.

Friends may call at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N Main Street, Sylvania, OH on Thursday April 9 from 1pm - 8pm with a short service at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday April 10 at 11am at Light of Christ Church, Blissfield, MI There will be a one-hour visitation at the church immediately preceding the Mass.

Those wishing to give a memorial, in lieu of flowers, are asked to consider the FFA at either Whiteford Agricultural School or Blissfield School or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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