BIO: Dr. Fred John Schmidt, "RACCOON"
I was born on September 2, 1928, In Plainfield Twp. near Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have a twin sister and she and I are the last of nine children born to Gerd Heinrich Karl and Minnie Ringold Schmidt. My father and his family emigrated from the Netherlands in 1907. He worked as furniture maker, storekeeper and farmer. The family moved to Coopersville, Michigan area. I attended rural schools and graduated from Coopersville High School in 1947.
My five brothers all served in the military during WWII. My 3 sisters and I did the farm work during those war years. All family members survived the War.
After completing High School, I, along with 2 classmates, enlisted in the U.S. Army on an 18-month tour of duty. We stayed together at Ft Knox, Kentucky. I was assigned to a Casual Company, set up for former servicemen, and helped process then back to active duty. It was interesting work. In 1948 I, along with 25 to 30 other servicemen, were Guests of Honor at Churchill Downs for the running of the Kentucky Derby. Citation won that race and went on to become a Triple Crown winner.
After my military years, I enrolled in Calvin College in Grand Rapids. I married my High School classmate and sweetheart, Norma Jean Kirkbride, in 1951. Our only child, Schuyler Nathaniel, was born in 1961.
I entered the Education profession in the fall of 1955 as a teacher at Hudsonville, Michigan. A year later, 1956, I became a teacher and Superintendent at Allendale, Michigan. In l966, I was hired as and Assistant Superintendent at Coopersville. This was followed as Superintendent at Cassopolis , Michigan (1969-1973) and at Lakeshore Public Schools, Stevensville, Michigan until retirement in 1984. After my educational career, I had a second "life" as a Real Estate salesman. I have been fully retired since 1999.
I have studied and graduated with degrees from four colleges. Calvin College, BS. 1953; Western Michigan University, MA. 1961; Michigan State University, Ed. Specialists, 1969 and Andrews University, Ed. Doctorate, 1981.
Norma Jean and I have traveled in all 50 states and several foreign countries. We are active in the First Church of God in St. Joseph where we have been teachers in the educational program. We have two grandsons, Zachary (1986) and Adam (1996). I have an interest in Antique Automobiles and currently enjoy driving a 1930 Model A Ford. I have participated in the Blossom Parade with an antique car since 1975.
As a "RACCOON", I serve as Assistant Chaplain (in the absence of Father Mike) and the "Official Interviewer" of all usual and unusual patrons of the Stevensville Big Boy.
May 1, 2010
