Merritt Keith Schmidt, age 77, of Gresham, passed away at his home, on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. Merritt was born on July 27, 1940, in the Town of Seneca, the son of the late Eldor and Sarah (Heins) Schmidt. On December 29, 1973, in Antigo, Merritt was united in marriage to Janice Fronek. The two were later sealed in the Provo Temple for time and all eternity. His love for cats included watching and feeding them. He was especially fond of two felines, Mindy, his outdoor cat and Spooky, his indoor cat. Spooky always managed to find a place between Merritt's knees when he went to bed. Merritt enjoyed watching the birds and deer. He also liked watching the trains pass by and thoroughly enjoyed rides on the Laona and Spooner runs. Merritt was a member of the Gresham Lions Club and was seen proudly throwing out candy during the 4th of July parade. He was a big fan of basketball, loved attending the games and was proud of being the Booster Club Fan of the Year. Merritt was the weather watcher for channel 7 and 9. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he enjoyed serving in the temple, church callings, home teaching and serving as the Sunday School Secretary for many years. Merritt enjoyed going with his buddy, John Mapes to find bulk tanks, his advertising specialties and giving away the samples. Merritt always thought Fords were better than Chevys.
Survivors include: his wife, Janice of Gresham; two sisters, Nathalie Williamson and Nadine (Edward) Rosenberg; his brother, Howard (Rea) Schmidt; his brothers-in-law, David (Karlynn) Fronek, Thomas (Patricia) Fronek and Daniel (Kristen) Fronek; his special cat, Mindy; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; two sisters, Clarissa Schmidt in infancy and Rachel McDonald; his brothers-in-law, Robert Williamson, John McDonald and James Block; sister-in-law, Diane Block; and in-laws, Hilda and Norman Fronek.
Funeral services for Merritt will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 15, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Gresham with Bishop Randy Hoffman officiating. Burial will be in the Roosevelt Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Melissa Rogge and Amy Olson for being by our side, as well as all the visits from friends and family and to the staff from ThedaCare Hospice.
