Robert Schmidt

Robert “Builder Bob” William Schmidt, 68, died of cardiac failure at his home in Salcha, Alaska, on Nov. 6, 2011.

A resident of Alaska for the past 16 years, he was born, September 10, 1943 in Benton Harbor and was raised in Baroda, where he graduated from Lakeshore High School and was a confirmed member of Zion United Church of Christ.
He served in the National Guard and worked from a young age and for his entire adult life in the construction industry as a carpenter, most recently for Watterson Construction Co. in Fairbanks, AK. In his retirement, he devoted his time to helping maintain his sister’s rental and marine business properties in Salcha, AK.

He was preceded in death by his father, William G. Schmidt, and his brother-in-law, Gerard “Gary” B. Uphues.

He is survived by his son, David Robert (Heidi) Amaya of Bulverde, TX; daughter, Lori Sue (Greg) Umfleet of Culdesac, ID; their mother, Judy Amaya of Vacaville, CA; grandchildren, Abigail, Coleton, Dayton, Clayton and Trenton Amaya and Wyatt and Caden Umfleet; his mother Clara Schmidt of Bridgman; his sister Donna Jean Uphues of Salcha, AK; his dog, Buddy, and many friends, workmates, and extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Zion United Church of Christ in Baroda, on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, at 11 AM, with a one-hour gathering of family and friends immediately prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, any contributions in Bob’s memory may be designated for Zion United Church of Christ or the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan.
Funeral arrangements were made by Fairbanks Funeral Home and Crematory, Fairbanks, Alaska, and by Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman, MI.

Gathering of Family and Friends

Saturday November 19, 2011 , 10 - 11 AM at Zion United Church of Christ

Memorial Service

Saturday November 19, 2011 , 11 AM at Zion United Church of Christ

Private Family Burial

at Graceland Cemetery