Obituary

Schmidt, Fred L., 88, of Scottsdale, AZ. On Friday, March 26, 2009, Fred was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. Born on May 23, 1920 in Saginaw, MI, son of Fred and Hulda (Hemmeter) Schmidt, he is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Eunice (Hahn) Schmidt. Fred attended Holy Cross Lutheran School and Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw. After serving four years as a pilot in the US Navy, Fred was graduated from Michigan State College in 1947. He founded and spent 13 years growing Fred L. Schmidt Builders, a residential construction company. In 1960, he was recruited by Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company, to lead their Claims division. Fred became a well-respected leader and speaker in that field for 25 years, until he and Eunice moved to Sun City West to enjoy retirement years.

Fred truly lived his life ?for others? – for his large family and his innumerable friends and associates. He was passionate about his Christian faith and shared it openly with others. He was dedicated to mentoring, and teaching others his extraordinary ?people skills?. He focused on the needs and success of others, always putting their interests above his own. Fred was all about loving, leading and nurturing. He was always a wonderful father and husband. These words from the Bible so aptly describe how he lived his life: ?? act justly ? and walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).

All who loved him will cherish his memory and how he took great delight in nurturing relationships and spending time with his large, extended family. Fred will be dearly missed by his wife, Eunice of Scottsdale, AZ, children Jim (Carol) of Paradise Valley, AZ, Tom (Jan) of Houston, TX, Anne (Rev. Tim) Francisco of Atwater, CA, Frederick (FJ) of Saginaw, MI, Steve of Evergreen, CO, Heidi (Keith) Weber of Frankenmuth, MI, and Jennifer (Tom) Dexter of Saginaw, MI, sister Arlene Richert of Freeland, MI, sister-in-law Ruthie Robinson of Mt. Clemens, MI, 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and beloved caregiver Andrew Alvarez. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Hulda Schmidt, and grandson, Matthew Francisco.

A private family memorial service, officiated by Rev. Dr. Arnold Frank, will be held to honor Fred at Christ Lutheran Church in Phoenix, AZ. A celebration of Fred?s life will also be held on a future date at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 Court Street, Saginaw, MI.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those desiring to honor Fred?s memory may consider Christ Lutheran Church in Phoenix, AZ, Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Holy Cross Lutheran Church/Saginaw, MI, Holy Cross Lutheran Church/Atwater, CA, or Special Olympics.