Michael P. Schmidt, 78, of Laramie, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 14, 1941 in Colorado Springs, CO to Ralph A. and Lillian C. (Grundy) Schmidt.
Michael married Annette “Anne” Milnes on April 28, 1963.
As a young man he was an Eagle Scout and worked for the Forest Service. He also worked as a hunting guide. He attended the University of Wyoming for a few years and went on to work for the Union Pacific Railroad for the next 32 years. Michael was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and skiing. He also enjoyed beekeeping, lamp making, fly tying, reloading, and birding, and most of all, spending time at his cabin with his family and friends.
He was a member of the Snowy Range Ski Patrol for several years along with being a member of the United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Friends of the Big Laramie Valley Volunteer Fire Departments.
Michael will be remembered for his marvelous sense of humor and his unconditional love for his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lillian Schmidt; his granddaughter, Alicia Lea Mustard; and his sister-in-law, Diann Schmidt.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anne Schmidt; his daughters, Richel (Mark) Mustard, Rhonda Johnson, and Lori (JR) Eggleston; his grandchildren, Brianna Mustard, Craig (Jessica) Mustard, Mike Schmidt, Jacob Schmidt, Colton Eggleston, Aaron (Melissa) Johnson, Aubrey (Brandon) McCoy, and Hope (Andy) McKay; and his four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, RA Schmidt; his sister, Monica Granitto; and his numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2019 at the Lincoln Community Center, 365 W. Grand Ave, Laramie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Big Laramie Valley Volunteer Fire Dept. #1 & 4, 3987 WY-230 Laramie, WY 82070.
Love and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. I have fond memories of the visit I had with you all when Monica brought me (and my infant daughter, Jacie) to Laramie for a few days in July of 1979. Climbing up on your roof to see the local fireworks with the lightning flashes of a thunderstorm behind it far in the distance remains my most memorable July 4th ever. Your hospitality and kindness made an impression. May your own memories of this good man bring comfort in these days.
Anne, I will forever hold dear my conversations with Mike. He was so special to me and I always enjoyed my time with him. He had a way of making others feel so special. I will never forget his laugh or his advice after having my child. I'm praying for strength for you and your family.
We will forever hold dear the memories of this amazing genuine man. His smile and laughter will never be forgotten. The best bear hugs in the world will missed! Love and Prayers to all of the family. Ken, Kathy, and Kevin.
Our sincere sympathy to all of Mikes family. Was a wonderful friend to us. May he rest in peace. Rose and Jr Martinez
Anne, I am so sorry for your loss. While I did not know Mike, it sounds like I missed knowing a very wonderful man. My condolences - Barb Farmer
My sincere condolences to you all. Mr. Schmidt was larger than life and always had a smile and a wisecrack to share when I was at the house hanging with Lori. He was a wonderful man that truly loved his family and made everyone feel right at home. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
There are few people in this world I hold closer than the Schmidt family. This man welcomed me into his family as if I was his own, and one ever even questioned how the grandson of his namesake and I were related. Thank you for always making sure I knew that I was home when I was with you. Thank you for teaching me about life and where the good stuff is. I’m forever grateful to have known such an incredible man. You are dearly missed.
Hi Mrs. Schmidt and family, I’m sorry to hear about Mr. Schmidt’s passing. My grandpa Guy and my dad John Guy knew him at Wold family tract. I used to wave at both of you when I was at the cabin visiting during the summers. I was able to give him a big hug about 3 years ago when my Scotties went missing and he and Clarence brought them home. I called him my angel because they had been missing for almost 5 hours. I thought I might never see them again. What a big heart he had. My mom, Darlene, sends her condolences. Love, Shelly and Chuck Neilson from Huck Guys Cabin up the hill from yours.
Sorry to hear about Mike. I have learned so many things from him over the years. I always enjoyed visiting with him and hearing his stories. He was a truly good man and he will be missed.
Sending our deepest sympathies. Deryl and Sue Woirhaye
So sorry for your loss. I will miss Mike. Condolences to the family. Ken Pasley