In loving memory of Dave Schmidt, who went home to his heavenly Father May 27, 2025.
Dave was born Sept. 11, 1950, in Williston, North Dakota, to William and Estella Schmidt. He was the 11th of 12 children, growing up on the family farm. He graduated from high school in 1968, joining the Navy a year later. He served as a machinist’s mate in the engine room of the USS Ranger, attaining the level of E5 in four years.
After his service, he started college in San Jose, California, where he met and married his wife, Kris. After marriage, they moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where he graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in agricultural education. His first teaching position was in Idaho, where his two children, Heather and Jonathan, were born. While teaching there, he completed coursework for his master’s in agricultural education and a second master’s in biblical studies from Cole Center for Biblical Studies in Boise, Idaho.
Throughout his full-time career as a high school teacher, he often pastored small churches part time. His final teaching position of 23 years was at W.F. West in Chehalis.
In 2015, he retired from teaching but continued pastoring part time and had time for his many hobbies, including singing, playing the guitar and classic car restoration.
Dave leaves behind his wife, Kris; daughter, Heather; son, Jonathan; and granddaughter, Evie; as well as brothers Harold (Ione), Richard (Linda), Raymond (Lil), and Kenneth (Mary); and sisters Lorna and Linda. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Delbert, LeRoy and Donald; and sisters Helen and Diana.
Celebration of life: 2 p.m. June 2, 2025, at Centralia Community Church of God, 3320 Borst Ave., Centralia, Washington.
