Duane Schmidt

Duane Louis Schmidt, 82, of Stevensville died on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at the Hanson Care Center, Stevensville.

He was born on December 17, 1938 in the home of his grandparents in Sawyer, MI to Louis and Lottie (Myrda) Schmidt, the first of 5 sons.  He graduated from New Troy High School, pursuing a career in construction and becoming a “Pipefitter by trade”, as he would say.  He settled in Wisconsin to raise his family, where he was also the owner of Duane’s Den in Lake Geneva for many years.  He returned to his trade and spent the last 17 years of his career as the Supervisor of Skilled Trades at Kikkomen Foods, Walworth, Wisconsin.  He married Doreen (Hauch) Landeck on May 31, 1998 in Rapid City, SD.  Duane and Doreen loved to explore the back roads and small towns of America and together traveled to 47 states from Maine to Alaska.  Duane was a kind, humble man of quiet faith who was never without his quick-witted sense of humor. His hobbies were walleye fishing and work.

He loved his family intensely, and is survived by his wife, Doreen; daughters: Deborah Olson and Darcey Bauer of Wisconsin; stepdaughter:  Regan Pallas; stepsons: Jason Pallas and Craig Pallas; grandchildren: Michael Olson, Jacob Olson, Jeff Stevens, Carter Bauer, Mae Bauer, Kannen Pallas, and Makenzie Pallas, and 5 (soon to be 6) great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his brother and best friend Larry (Nerma) Schmidt of Sawyer, brothers Randy (Wanda) Schmidt of Bridgman, and Richard (Norma Reitz) Schmidt of St. Charles, MO; and beloved niece and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, his brother Gary Schmidt, and daughter Danille Reiff.

The family will be remembering him privately. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Joseph Lincoln Senior Center Transportation Fund, 3271 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com

Arrangements entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.