Michael H. Schmidt

Michael Herman Schmidt passed unexpectedly January 21, 2026 at MyMichigan Medical Center of Midland, at the age of 70, on the day of his 43rd anniversary to his forever bride and sweetheart, Cheryl (Schlatter) Schmidt. Mike is known best as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend to all. Mike was born in Bay County and has resided in Kawkawlin Township his entire life where he and Cheryl raised two wonderful sons, Michael and Scott. Mike proudly operated Schmidt Farms, a family tradition spanning four generations, and entering a fifth generation with the hands and interest of grandchildren. Farming and the outdoors were Mike’s passions…to him, it was his life, and a beautiful bond between he and his wife, a true and blue farm girl herself from Linwood, solidifying their marriage with a unique respect for the life blood of a family farm.

Not only did Mike find passion in the soil…plowing, planting, harvesting, and conversing with the farm community by serving on local boards and committees and valuing community connections, but he also found those family-like ties in the love of strong faith and the love of a congregation. Born and raised at Kawkawlin Community Church with his family, Mike soon found his forever congregation when he joined his loving wife Cheryl, attending the Apostolic Christian Church on Fraser Road where they worshipped with their sons, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, and extended family, finding great solitude in strong family and faith.

Born in Bay County, the second child of J. William Schmidt and Valerie (Meylan) Schmidt, it was evident that Mike had a unique love for the outdoors and the beautiful life a farm offered, from his mother’s extended family of farmers that ran deep, to the joys a country road life offered. Motors and anything with speed excited Mike from homemade go-carts to cars, snowmobiles and boats. The memories…the stories…endless laughs will be forever enjoyed. Mike’s dear friend, Kenn Wackerle, often rode shotgun during these high-speed thrills in their younger years, and although their speed may have slowed down a bit, Kenn’s friendship has forever remained golden, and Mike was forever grateful.

Beyond farming, there was baseball…the start of Kawkawlin Twp ball fields and a tri-village ball league where he enjoyed the game, alongside his brothers. Mike was known for his baseball prowess by all who played with him and against him. From young years to high school and well into adulthood, a ball, a glove and a bat were made for Mike’s hands. Late night blooper games continued with his brothers at an older age and were fondly remembered...under the lights at Kawkawlin and out of town weekend tournaments. All who knew Mike knew and respected his talent and enjoyed his sportsmanship. Mike was a threat on the mound during his younger baseball years, and he always had great stories…reminding anyone that ever doubted him.

Mike’s role as grandfather never waivered. He adored his seven grandchildren immeasurably, supporting them at school and church functions to dance teams, sports teams and simple moments of gathering together, laughing and enjoying moments. Mike was a super grandfather, always there and present, so proud to wear the title Grandpa. He will forever be their biggest fan

Mike’s love for conversation and connections will truly be missed by all. His passion for people is obvious by the many that call him friend. There wasn’t a person that Mike didn’t make feel like family with his sincere conversations and visits. His roads ran from Kawkawlin, throughout farmland in Bay and Arenac counties, south and east to the thumb for parts and/or business and will forever be remembered, truly missed and NEVER forgotten. To deeply care is to love and to experience love is to also know great loss, loss that reminds us to love well…care well…and always stay present.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Cheryl, sons Michael (Tiffany), and Scott (Summer), grandchildren Chase, Trinity, Casen, Owen, Macie, Harrison and Palmer Schmidt. Brother, Bill (Renay) Schmidt of Kawkawlin, and sisters - Brenda (Keith) Rowley of Bay City, Susan (Jeff) Cooley of Kawkawlin as well as sister-in-law Michelle (Randy, dec) Schmidt of Kawkawlin. In-laws, Sally (Curtis) Zahner of Ellington, CT, Thomas (Sandra) Schlatter of Bay City, Sandra Schneider (Donald, dec) of Bloomington, IL, Kenneth (Pam) Schlatter of Linwood, Beth (Dana) Knochel of Livonia, Allan (Vicki) Schlatter of Bay City, Sharon (Ron, dec) Schlatter of Ft. Wayne.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents J. William and Valerie Schmidt, two brothers, Randall and Donald Schmidt and father and mother In-laws David and Margaret Schlatter as well as brother in laws, Donald Schnieder and Ron Schlatter.

Sincere gratitude is extended to the professionalism and compassion by the team at MyMichigan Bay City and the ICU team in Midland as well as Karmanos Cancer Institute. Mike has had many battles since our season of Covid, and we appreciate all your efforts throughout his journey.

Visiting hours and funeral service will be held at the Gephart Funeral Home, 201 W Midland Road, Bay City, on Monday, January 26th with viewing from 12:00 to 8:00 PM. Family will also be available on Tuesday, January 27th from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at the Apostolic Christian Church, 2791 Fraser Road, Kawkawlin with viewing from 9:00 - 11:00 AM with the funeral service starting at 11:00 AM, interment to follow at the church cemetery and a luncheon to be served at Kawkawlin Township Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested Apolstolic Christian LifePoints, founded in 1971 an Apostolic Christian Home for handicapped adults in Illinois, a place special to their hearts.