Richard “Rich” M. Schmidt, 59, of Millstadt, IL, born Thursday, October 11, 1962, in Granite City, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Friday, November 26, 2021, at his residence in Millstadt, IL. after a long battle with cancer.
Rich was previously in the Marine Reserves and was a U.S. Army Veteran. He previously worked for SunCoke Energy as a utility maintenance worker. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, IL and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Rich was best known for his upbeat personality and positive attitude. He never knew a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a devout Catholic. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards and a good game of golf. Rich loved his wife Tracy, of 34 years, his children and his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents, Laurence and Josefa nee Welp, Schmidt
- Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Dorothy nee Hill, Hamilton
- Brothers-in-law:
- Robert Hamilton Jr.
- Ronald Hamilton
- Jerry Ohlendorf
- Blake Pfannebecker
- Sisters-in-law:
- Constance Ohlendorf
- Deborah Pfannebecker
Surviving are his:
- Loving and devoted wife, Tracy A. nee Hamilton, Schmidt of Millstadt, IL
- Children:
- Samantha (Kenneth III) Bassler of Millstadt, IL
- Richard L. (Ashley) Schmidt of Millstadt, IL
- Grandchildren:
- Cooper
- Kenny
- Emmarie
- Oliver
- Brother, Robert Schmidt
- Sisters:
- Laurie (Bud) Mogus
- Rita Schmidt (Rich’s twin)
- Ramona (Don) Roberts
- Brothers and Sisters-in-law:
- Everett (Judy) Hamilton
- Steven (Ginna) Hamilton
- Sharon (Paul) Rongey
- Randall (Lola) Hamilton
- Gary (Phyllis) Hamilton
- Denise (Joe) Hoepker
- Janice Hamilton
- Neil (Debbie) Hamilton
- Mark (Denise) Hamilton
- Donald (Cindy) Hamilton
- Bradley (Tammy) Hamilton
- Kelly (Terry ) Hamilton
- Robert (Sherry) Hamilton
- Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Memorials may be made to the St. Jude’s Children Research in lieu of flowers.
Visitation: Visitation from 3:00 – 7:00 pm Monday, December 6, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home and from 9:00 -10:00 am Tuesday December 7, 2021 at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, IL.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, IL with Msgr, Marvin Volk officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery St. Louis, MO.
12 Comments To "Richard “Rich” M. Schmidt"
#1 Comment By Laurie Mogus On November 30, 2021 @ 5:50 pm
You will be forever in our hearts❤
#2 Comment By Austin On November 30, 2021 @ 5:51 pm
You have my prayers and condolences , all things aside Rich was a great guy he will be deeply missed I’m sure ,may he now rest In Peace,
#3 Comment By Becky Manso On November 30, 2021 @ 8:52 pm
I’m so very very sorry . I know Rich was such a loving person and everyone loved him. I only met with him a couple times but I felt like I’ve known him forever. Tracy your in my prayers. Prayers for you all.
#4 Comment By Bob Frazier On December 1, 2021 @ 5:29 am
Rich was an amazing individual. Virtually every time I encountered him, he had a wonderful smile on his face. He was gracious in every aspect of his life. A great person to be around. I will miss him. He loved his family and his country. May God protect him through eternity. God Bless.
#5 Comment By Danny Daniels On December 4, 2021 @ 8:29 am
My condolences to all the families of Rich. Growing up with him and his family was a magical time in our lives.
Larry and Josefa’s home was always warm and inviting. I always remember the wood burning 🔥 stove in their living room! Lots of heart ❤️ felt love in their household.❤️
Danny Daniels
#6 Comment By Roberts Ramona On December 4, 2021 @ 9:10 pm
Rich was an amazing brother. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He always had a smile on his face and he maintained a positive attitude even through some dire health issues. Rich was a rock that our family could rely on to be there for us when we needed him. Rich’s beautiful spirit will live on in our hearts and memories. Rest In Peace dear brother. ❤️
#7 Comment By Jerry and Gloria On December 5, 2021 @ 6:20 am
Sammi and family
So sorry to hear about Dad’s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
#8 Comment By Heidi On December 5, 2021 @ 9:03 pm
Heidi loves you!
#9 Comment By Loretta Pace Martin On December 6, 2021 @ 11:02 am
My thoughts and prayers are with your family today Richard.
Your infectious smile was as big as you were my friend. So many fond memories of you will forever live in my heart.
✨ Soar with the Angels ✨
Memory Eternal ✝️🙏
#10 Comment By Donald Feldott On December 7, 2021 @ 10:25 am
I’m so sorry about Rich’s passing. My condolences to the whole family. I’m a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and this is where I met Rich. I only new Rich for a short period of time, but he always had a smile on his face and knew no strangers.. His positive attitude was infectious. I was blessed to have known him. My prayers are with you.
#11 Comment By Myra Jack-Jackson On December 8, 2021 @ 8:42 am
Sending condolences and prayers to the Schmidt Family. I knew Richard from Assumption High School, East St.Louis,IL. May God continue to give you strength during this difficult time.🙏🏾
#12 Comment By Rita On December 26, 2021 @ 10:06 am
You were sorely missed this Christmas 💔
I call your phone from time to time , just to hear your voice from when you were stronger ( physically) – your spiritual strength never weakened – in fact , it grew exponentially. I miss you Knucklehead 🙏