Michael F. Schmidt

Michael Frederick Schmidt, known to some as Frederick Michael Schmidt, depending on when they first met him, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the age of 69.

Michael was born on May 25, 1957, in South Bend, Indiana, to Frederick and Karen (Runyan) Schmidt, who preceded him in death.

From an early age, Michael possessed a determined "find a way" attitude that would define his entire life. That determination often kept his family on their toes—especially his grandmother, Virginia Runyan, who was known to chase him with a wooden spoon after he spent a little too much time terrorizing his sister, Debra.

After graduating from Jackson High School, Michael built a life defined by hard work, perseverance, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he worked in a bakery, helped manage a Pepperidge Farm bread route alongside his parents, owned a bait-and-tackle shop, and ultimately oversaw operations for multiple Little Caesars restaurants throughout Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Whatever challenge was placed before him, Michael approached it with determination, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to providing for those he loved.

While Michael took great pride in his work, his greatest accomplishment was the life he built with the love of his life, Lynn Marie Schmidt (Nukala). They married on October 15, 1977, sharing 48 wonderful years. Together, they created a family that became the center of his world. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn; their three sons, Brent, Brandon (Ashley), and Daniel (Deanne); their ten grandchildren, Brady, Cooper, Layton, Ollie, Bryce, Bobby, Benny, Isaac, Lane, and Winslow; his sister, Debra (David) Ketcham; and many extended family members and friends. He was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of another grandchild, due in December 2026.

Those who knew Michael will remember his work ethic, his stubborn determination, his ability to find solutions when others saw obstacles, and the deep love he had for his family. Michael never accepted that something couldn't be done. He spent his life finding a way—and in doing so, built a family, a legacy, and a lifetime of stories that will be cherished for generations to come.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am-12:00pm on Saturday June 13, 2026 at the Palmer Funeral home-North Liberty Chapel, 202 N. Main St., North Liberty.  A graveside service will immediately follow at Westlawn Cemetery, North Liberty. A Celebration of Life will come at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Pet Refuge, Inc., in South Bend, Indiana, in honor of Michael's lifelong love for dogs—especially his faithful companion and best friend, Doof.

Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.