John "Jack" E. Schmidt

John E. Schmidt "Jack", 78, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on June 27, 2024. 

Jack was born November 15, 1945, in Stevenson, MI to Charles and Helen Schmidt.  He lived with his family in Stevenson, MI until 1969, when he left to explore professional opportunities in Chicago, IL. 

He never made it to Chicago, because he stopped in Algoma, WI for a few days and he fell in love with the little town along Lake Michigan and he met Debbie Gillespie, who became his best friend and the love of his life.  Later, in 1970, they married in Kingsford, MI and they returned to Algoma, where they made their home and together raised their family.

Jack loved all things in the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, walking through the woods and every year he lovingly created the most lush and beautiful flower and vegetable/fruit garden.  He was also a lover of all animals, baseball games with his son John Wayne and camping in Michigan with his daughter Michelle, son John Wayne, Debbie and their family friends.  Jack was a very strong, hardworking and stoic man and he enjoyed working the land at their family cabin and he also enjoyed his work and colleagues at Bay Shipbuilding/Shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Jack is survived by his wife Debbie, daughter Michelle Wadzinski (Steven Wadzinski), his son John Wayne Schmidt, and his four adored grandchildren Alexander, Kelsey, Eva and Savannah; and his sister Terri (Jerry) 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles Schmidt, Jr., sister and brother-in-law Marge (Jim) Eiche, his son-in-law Steven Wadzinski and his beloved pets Clifford, Sasha, Hootch and Porky.

As per Jack's wishes, there will not be a public visitation or funeral service.

The Schinderle Funeral Home was entrusted with Jack's arrangements.  Express your sympathy, memories and pictures on Jack's tribute page at www.schinderlefuneralhome.com.

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