Donald Carl Schmidt

Donald Carl Schmidt, age 89, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, September 1, 2025. He was born on June 10, 1936, in Grand Haven, MI, to Fred and Lillian (King) Schmidt. Don married Maxine M. Miller on April 16, 1955, in Grand Haven, MI.

Don spent much of his life working hard to provide for his wife and young family. His career included time at Bronsama Transfer, Oscar Erman, Russ Berg Truck Palace, Norm Dodge Excavating, and then 17 years at the Grand Haven Department of Public Works.
 

After retiring from the City of Grand Haven, he continued to drive trucks and operate equipment for Schmidt Brothers Excavating for another 20-plus years alongside his sons, Bill and Dave.

Don and Maxine are longtime members of Hope Church in Grand Haven. A passionate fan of Saturday night racing, Don especially loved dirt track cars and go-karts, and the comradery and friendships that were built by hosting local racing on the track he built behind their home on Lincoln Street. Above all, Don treasured the time he spent with his family and friends.

Don will be lovingly missed by his wife of 70 years, Maxine; and their children: Laura (Dewayne) Garland, Bill (Terri) Schmidt, Fred Schmidt, Tim (Dianna) Schmidt, and David (Sallie) Schmidt; seven grandchildren: Jason, Brian, Sarah, Brett, Michelle, Kevin, and Carley; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; his sister, Tootie Marcum; brother, Clarence (Lois) Schmidt; sisters-in-law: Mary Ellen White, Ruth Ann Williams, and Sarah Childers; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his four brothers: Edward, Fred, Richard, and John Schmidt.

The Memorial Service for Don will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Hope Church, with Pastor Tim Taylor officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Trinity Health at Home Hospice-Grand Haven.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Carl Schmidt, please visit our floral store.