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Obituaries

Jeff Schmidt passed away February 15, at his home, ending a life well lived. Born December 6,1954, to Richard and Jean (Eisenbeiser) Schmidt, he was raised at North Lake and lived most of his adult life in the Chelsea area.

Jeff graduated Chelsea high school with the class of ‘73, and Hope College in ‘78, where he played basketball for the Flying Dutchmen. He retired from a career with the US Postal Service in ‘09.  Jeff craved being outside and participated in numerous outdoor activities including golf, gardening, and annual hunting trips to his beloved ‘camp’ in the UP. He was a talented baker and cook, an avid reader, spent countless hours on fantasy baseball and enjoyed his poker and bridge groups.

He is survived by his sister, Joan; and special friends and family: Charley, Joel, Amy, Tom, Dave, Laurie, Chan, Ron, Kathleen, Hannah, Molly, Mo, Cindy, Jane, and Rhonda, all of whom supported him and kept the fun going until the end.

Visitation will take place at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, on Friday, February 20, from noon - 2 p.m. A private burial will be at North Lake Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Faith In Action in Chelsea, https://faithinaction1.org/. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
 

You may share a memory or leave a message for Jeff's family using the form below. Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your message. 
 

Comments  

#10 John Merkel 2026-02-21 03:52
I was so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. His warmth, humor and numerous instances of his kind hospitality are abiding memories. Sincerest condolences to Joan, his family and many friends.
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#9 Joe Brunetti 2026-02-18 10:20
This is a sad moment but I pray his suffering is over. I knew Jeff as a GM in our Stratomatic HOF fantasy baseball league. From 2001 he ran the Alberta Clippers and the North Lake Icemen. He was a great friend and smart baseball guy. I'll miss him.
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#8 Dan Kruse 2026-02-18 10:18
I will miss Jeff. We had fun at North Lake playing honk, wiffle ball (on land and water) baseball on Spaulding field.
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#7 Penny Murray 2026-02-17 21:35
Sad news to lose this sweet, fun , kind cousin. Jeff was always fun to be around and sincerely enjoyed visiting with family. He will be dearly missed.
Penny Eisenbeiser Murray
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#6 Jesse Elicker 2026-02-17 20:06
Jeff was a member of a strat-o-matic baseball league with me. He was always a gentleman in our interactions, and I enjoyed our few exchanges. My deepest sympathies and prayers to Jeff's family and friends.
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#5 Steve Worden 2026-02-17 19:54
I hadn't been in touch with Jeff lately, but he was always one of the good, and fun, guys in our class. I enjoyed seeing him whenever we did run into each other. My deep condolences to Joan and all of his gang.
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#4 Jeff Powell 2026-02-17 17:52
About the time my older sister Cindi stopped hating and terrorizing me, I was able to develop what would be lifelong friendships with some or her classmates. Granted the eyes of a thirteen year old boy can be deceived, however as the years played out, Jeff Schmidt was the real, true deal. I am proud and blessed to have known him. He will be missed greatly. My sincere condolences, JP
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#3 Marsi Darwin 2026-02-17 09:37
Very sad news. i always thought of Jeff as a gentle giant. I found him sweet, kind, always ready with a smile. Memories of time spent at North Lake with the Schmidt’s, Spauldings, Trempors, Eisenbeisers and McClears are among my very fondest. My deepest sympathies and condolences to dear Joan.
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#2 Lee Tremper 2026-02-15 13:53
Jeff was family at North Lake. My Spaulding siblings and he and Joan all grew up together. He was"little Jeff" to my older brother "big Jeff", 16 years his senior. Little did we know that he would eventually grow to tower over my 5' 6" brother. With deep sympathy and much love to you, Joan and your family. The Spaulding/Tremp er clan.
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#1 Phil Boham 2026-02-15 13:11
Jeff was one of the good guys to play golf with. Always had a smile on his face and a good infectious laugh. Could have cared less about his score, just enjoyed the people he was with and the game of golf. Secondary to Bridge and Poker.
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