Cover photo for Christopher Schmitt's Obituary
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Christopher

Christopher Schmitt

Christopher G. “Chris” Schmitt of Otsego passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 6, 2014 at his home. Chris was born March 26, 1964 in Plainwell to Arthur and Nancy (McLeod) Schmitt and was a lifelong resident of the area.

In 1982 he graduated from Otsego High School and then served in the U.S. Army Armored Division in the DMZ in Korea from 1983-86. In 1988 he married Tracy Robinson. Chris was employed as a millwright with Menasha Corp. until they closed and had also worked as a fabricator and welder. He could build or make almost anything, fix anything, and if it had a motor he could make it run. Chris loved hunting and fishing, and started on the tractor when he was 3 years old. Most of all, he loved his children and grandchild.

Surviving are his daughters, Lacey Schmitt of Chicago and Anna Schmitt of Plainwell and her daughter, Madelynn Clark; a step-son, Brandin Schoonhoven of Kalamazoo; his parents; siblings, Vince (Rachel) Schmitt, Suzanne (Chris) Sibberson and Angela (Mark) Hoffman; seven nieces and nephews; five great nieces and great nephews with another one due soon.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Stanley and Beth Schmitt and Earl “Shorty” and

Catherine McLeod

.

Friends may meet with his family from 4 to 7 P.M. Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at the

Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego

where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 11, 2014, Pastor Joe Shaler officiating and Military Honors provided by V.F.W. Post #3030.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Chris may be made to The Stanley Leep Farm, V.F.W. Post #3030 or to a charity of your choice.

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

Offer Condolence for the family of Christopher Schmitt

Condolence Messages

Dave raven

December 8, 2014 at 5:31 pm

Rest in peace my dear friend all ways in our minds

Reply

Karen Koehn

December 8, 2014 at 6:00 pm

Have known Chris for over 35 years, he was a caring and gentle man who will be missed by anyone who knew him. Chris and his family will be in my prayers daily for strength and guidance during this time, and always. It is my privilege to know you. God bless all of you.

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Jim Hoffman

December 8, 2014 at 6:15 pm

So sorry for your loss to the Schmitt family, Chris was a great friend that I worked with during the Menasha days. Hard working man at every task he endured. He will be so missed by all and I am praying our Dear Lord wraps his loving arms around each of you and gives you comfort. Rest in Peace my Dear Friend.

Jim Hoffman

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Russell Councell

December 8, 2014 at 6:47 pm

To the Schmitt family sorry for your loss. He was a good person and it my very nice that I got to know him.

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Paula and Tom Holmes

December 8, 2014 at 6:51 pm

we are so sorry to hear about your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

Paula and Tom

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Bert and Bob Renauld

December 8, 2014 at 7:29 pm

May his soul rest in peace.

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Joe Hall Jr

December 8, 2014 at 7:47 pm

Later Then, Chris

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SUE BROWN, HARDER, MARQUARD

December 8, 2014 at 9:43 pm

ART AND NANCY AND THE FAMILY

I AM SO SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR SON YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

Reply

Brian Fox

December 8, 2014 at 10:20 pm

A good friend and a good man. I’ll miss you Chris. My heart felt prayers for all in the Scmitt family.

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Dick & Sylvia Davis

December 8, 2014 at 11:21 pm

Art, Nancy and Family

We are so sorry for the loss of your Son. Our thoughts and prayers

are with you at this sorrowful time.

Reply

marsha holden

December 8, 2014 at 11:37 pm

So sorry for your loss.sincere condolences to all your family.

Reply

penny browning

December 9, 2014 at 12:44 am

His leaving is impossible to believe. He will be impossible to forget.

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Jeff Schaefer

December 9, 2014 at 3:20 am

My condolences to the Schmitt family. Chris will be missed by everyone that has crossed his path. My he rest in peace.

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stacey syers thames

December 9, 2014 at 6:31 am

What a truly heartbreaking loss, Chris was a very talented man in so many ways. I had the privilege of knowing him since we where small children, ironically his daughter Lacey and my daughter Shelbea became best friends at a young age. His affectionous smile and kindness will truly be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Schmitt family. May God wrap his arms around each of you through this most difficult time.

Reply

Kelly Smith (Wadsworth)

December 9, 2014 at 6:54 am

So very sorry for your loss, Chris was a great man and an amazing friend, he will truly be missed,…

Reply

Tammy Peckens-Schmitt

December 9, 2014 at 7:49 am

Art, Nancy & Family,

You are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.

Tammy, John and William Peckens

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Sheila Hileski Weyrick

December 9, 2014 at 8:27 am

So sorry for your loss. I knew Chris as a classmate from St. Margaret’s School days and had bumped into him a few times over the years. My prayers are with his entire family asking God to wrap His loving arms around you all and comfort you in this time.

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Don Perry

December 9, 2014 at 8:52 am

So Sorry for your loss! I am praying for the entire family during this difficult time. May all your fond memories of Chris bring you Peace!

God Bless

Reply

Tom and Betsy Lutes

December 9, 2014 at 9:25 am

We are sorry for your loss.

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Michelle Newman-Gauthier

December 9, 2014 at 10:42 am

Hugs and prayers to the Schmitt family. Chris was a great man, he’ll be missed terribly.

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STAN LEEP FARMS; STANLEY, LINDA, SHANON, BILLY, RICK & JUSTEN

December 9, 2014 at 10:56 am

To the entire Schmitt Family……………………

We are so sorry for your loss. What a great person Chris was, there are not enough words to express this. This world has lost a beautiful soul & kind Man. May your memories, videos & pictures continue the laughter for which Chris was so well known for, well, at least here on the Farm. He was the sunlight each morning that brightened our days, and the strength & knowledge that got us through most of those days. Chris was the best thing that ever happened to Stan Leep Farms, that is for sure, even Stan Leep said this himself yesterday. We have great memories of Chris, there isn’t a bad memory in our minds only good ones of laughter and smiles.

Chris came to Leep Farms this spring. He and Billy were a “breathe of fresh air” so to speak to the farm. Positive attitudes and a relentless work ethic, Chris was determined to change things for the better and get things done! He was an extremely hard worker, but always had a great time while doing it, he was a great teacher & mentor to the young men on the farm. The things Chris taught them they are appreciative for and will never forget. Chris could fix anything, such a talented Millwright and Welder Chris was.

We at Stan Leep Farms are going to miss you so Chris Schmitt, the impact you had on all of our lives, some old friends, some of us new friends. Chris touched our hearts & lives in such an amazing & positive way, such a gentle soul, & kind Man, you could not help but love this Man, his personality and smile were contagious for sure.

We know your going to be with us & walk beside us still Chris, our ANGEL on the Farm now, you will be in our hearts forever my friend, may you guide us and help us as you have done for the last 6 months, forever on………….I am sure you are loving the view up there, and we know you are smiling down upon us and our hearts smile still as we think of you, because we know you are still with us, you walk with us still………just in a different kind of way.

Prayers, Love & Hugs to the Schmitt Family ,

All of us at Stan Leep Farms; Stanley, Linda, Shanon, Billy, Rick, Justen, Moe Dog & Fancy

Reply

Mary (Niedzielski) McCain

December 9, 2014 at 11:13 am

Mr & Mrs Schmidt, Vince, Suzanne, Ang, Lacey, Anna and the entire family…..my heart goes out to all of you for your sudden loss of such a dear son, brother and dad. I pray that you feel God’s comfort and find some peace during this difficult time and know that he and Chris are watching over all of you. The memories in your heart, can never be taken away….so cherish them and reflect back on them during those tough days.

I remember vividly, when I was younger, playing at the Schmidt house and when we would play hide & seek or tag, if we could reach Chris before getting found or tagged, we would be safe. With several screaming girls running through the house, he was always a good sport. Thank you Chris, for these lasting memories.

Until we see you again in Heaven Ü

Reply

dawnogden

December 9, 2014 at 1:11 pm

Dear Schmitt Family, I am so sorry for your loss.

Reply

Pat Kubin-Garber

December 9, 2014 at 2:20 pm

Although I didn’t know your son, my heart goes out to you and your family.

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Maggie Boeskool

December 9, 2014 at 5:48 pm

So sorry for your loss I did not know Chris I do know some of the family May you find comfort & piece during this difficult time .

Love & hugs

Maggie

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Craig & Lorna Sisson

December 9, 2014 at 7:09 pm

Our hearts ache for all of you in your loss of Chris. Though we didn’t know him well, after reading all of these messages wish we would have had the privilege to have known him better. What wonderful tributes to him and the way he added such joy to so many lives. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with you at such a very difficult time. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

In Christ’s Love, Craig and Lorna

Reply

Jim Folk

December 9, 2014 at 7:11 pm

Very sorry for your loss.

Reply

Dean & Diane Jones & family

December 9, 2014 at 7:15 pm

Many long distance hugs and prayers during this difficult time.

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Naomi Holly-Bryant

December 9, 2014 at 7:23 pm

To the intire family: my condolences to all of you. May God bring you comfort at such a terrible time. May you find comfort in the fact Chris touch so may lives. RIP Chris

Reply

TONY JULIEN

December 9, 2014 at 8:58 pm

So sorry,,my thoughts and prayers are with your family

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Doug & Emilia Rex

December 9, 2014 at 9:40 pm

We’re praying that the light of God’s face shines on you in the darkness of your grief. May God’s love and grace be with you always.

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Melissa Kyser

December 9, 2014 at 10:00 pm

Words cannot express my deepest sympathies for the loss of your brother Chris, Angela. Now is a time of reflection and all those precious memories of him and knowing he has left a wonderful legacy.

Remain strong and know in your heart and soul he is a good place and now can watch over his family until you all meet again. I will continue to send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Reply

-ed & mynard gale

December 10, 2014 at 2:31 am

We want to express our most heart-felt condolences to the entire Schmitt family …

Reply

Don Gidebek

December 10, 2014 at 5:31 am

Sorry for your loss.

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Mark Bronson and the Bronson family

December 10, 2014 at 6:19 am

We are so sorry for your loss. All of our prayers for God’s comforting hands to hold your family close.

Reply

Norm & Sally Cook

December 10, 2014 at 7:24 am

So sorry for your loss. Chris was a great guy and will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Reply

Tim and Marcia Quigley

December 10, 2014 at 8:51 am

Nancy and Art,

Please know that your son is now an Angel in Heaven. Prayers are being said for you to give you strength at this most difficult time.

Reply

Teri Witt

December 10, 2014 at 8:54 am

To the Schmitt family. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you.

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ed & mynard gsle

December 10, 2014 at 9:46 am

we wish to offer our most sincere condolences to the entire Schmitt family.

Reply

Pat & Angel Clark

December 10, 2014 at 9:48 am

Our Deepest Sympathy to your family in this difficult time. Chris was an awesome friend.

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Bernie Dillon

December 10, 2014 at 7:03 pm

Cousin Art and Nancy, sorry about your loss. Way too young. It hurts so much when he was so young, but a child hurts so much more. I can’t handle my brother at the same age, but he was my brother not one of my children. I am so sorry. Bernie

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Leslie Johnson

December 11, 2014 at 7:38 am

December 09, 2014

I still cannot wrap my head around your being gone. Our spontaneous visits, birthday phone calls, phone calls out of the blue just to say “hi”. Goofiness just because. You will be missed.

I love you, my friend! Put on those angel wings and halo, fly high and keep watch over all of us! God wanted you worse than we did, God wins. Do him right. Enjoy the tractors of Heaven in the fields and streets of gold.

A dear friend to so many….You have no idea the impact you’ve made on so many lives. Take care and rest now. Your chores here are complete. We all love you.

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Craig and Char Maclaine

December 11, 2014 at 8:27 am

Dear Art and Nancy,

Thinking of you and your family, proud to have known Chris!

Reply

Theresa Irving

December 11, 2014 at 9:31 am

my heart goes out to you all, i understand your pain and sorrow, he is with the lord now, will never be forgotten the days to come.

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DeeAnn

December 12, 2014 at 1:22 pm

as you know I lost my daughter 15 ywears ago Dec 2 I know the pain you are suffering and will yet in 15 years. I am feeping you both in my prayersw too give you strength Love you Dee Ann

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Yvonne Slater

December 14, 2014 at 12:52 pm

I was so sorry to hear about Chris. We had so much fun with him when we played golf together and he always used to call Floyd and I Al and Peg. we got the biggest kick out of that. He was a very nice young man and will be missed by a lot of people. May he rest in peace. God bless you and your family.

Reply

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