Robert L. Schmidt

Robert L. Schmidt died Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Arletta's Adult Care Home in Veradale, Wash. 

He leaves his wife of 59 years, Joyce (Shields) Schmidt; his daughters Jackie Wetherby of Lexington, N.C., Janine Kelly of Cashmere, Wash. and son Russell (Rusty) Schmidt of Nampa, Idaho; his brother Melvin Schmidt of Airway Heights; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers George and Arthur, and sons Raymond and Robert.  

Born in Ritzville, Wash. and raised in Greenbluff, he was the son of John and Lena (Arlt) Schmidt. He was a lifelong resident of Cheney.

After graduating from Cheney High School in 1948, he attended Eastern Washington College on a boxing scholarship. After college he served in the U.S. Air Force at Kelly Field, Texas. While there he earned his private pilot's license. After his brother's passing, he returned to Cheney to help with the family dairy farm. 

In 1958, Bob married his wife, Joyce. He worked a short time at the Cheney Flour Mill. Then he found his true calling when he became one of the first full-time paid fire fighters for the Cheney Fire Department, earning the rank of lieutenant. In 1975, he retired early due to injuries in the line of duty.  

In retirement, he enjoyed returning to his roots of farming on his small acreage. He had amazing creativity and resourcefulness to build or repair almost anything with almost nothing. Bob and Joyce had many adventures traveling in their fifth wheel trailer.

 Bob enjoyed eating good food, socializing with friends and family, and teasing with his sense of humor. He loved music. There are many happy memories of him playing his guitar, singing with his family or square dancing with Joyce and friends. 

There will be a viewing at Heritage Funeral Home, Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  A funeral service will be held Friday, May 5, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Cheney Church of the Nazarene with procession to the Spokane Memorial Gardens immediately following.

The family extends a special thank you for the loving care he received from Ted and Arletta Kaczmarek at Arletta's Adult Care Home. The family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, alz.org, 1403 S. Grand Blvd. No. 202, Spokane, WA 99203.