Carol Diane Schmidt Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Carol Diane Schmidt was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, her Savior, on May 24, 2022, at age 76, following complications related to her fight against acute myeloid leukemia. Carol was born to Carl & Isabelle Brauer on April 18, 1946 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She received her degree in Art Education from Valparaiso University in Indiana. Carol met her husband, Harold, while attending Valparaiso. She and Harry were married on March 18, 1967 and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage! After living in Valparaiso and Highland, Indiana, they moved to Spring Lake, Michigan where they put down their roots. One of Carol’s greatest gifts was providing a loving, caring home to her family. She also enjoyed reading, taking walks, baking, knitting, sketching, and painting. In addition to her role as homemaker, she taught art and served as the librarian at St. John’s Lutheran School for several years. She also enjoyed being a member of the Gallery Uptown in Grand Haven where she displayed her oil pastel and mixed media paintings. Carol had a kind, thoughtful, sweet spirit. She treasured her family and grandkids and made each one feel special and loved. This love was expressed in a myriad of ways: on the couch reading children’s books, showing interest in their poetry, drawings, and inventions, and attending sporting events and band concerts. The family also has warm memories of conversations shared with her over cups of coffee or tea in the kitchen. She had a genuine faith in Jesus as her Savior, illuminated by her hospitality and service to others. Carol and Harry hosted Bible studies in their home for many years and were active members at St. John’s Lutheran Church since 1974. Preceding Carol in death are her parents, Carl & Isabelle Brauer, and her brother Charles. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Harry; her sister, Janet (John) Ohanesian; her brother, Rich (Marty) Brauer; her children, Jen (Tim) Gatz, Jeff (Kristi) Schmidt, Julie (Matt) Williams; and all of her grandchildren, Justin & Noah Gatz; Anna, Daniel, James, Rachel, & Marielle Schmidt; Molly, Penny, Ruby, & Blake Williams. Even though the family grieves, Carol is filled with joy. She is now with Jesus who is "making everything new" (Revelation 21:5) and who promises everlasting life to all who trust in Him. “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:40). A memorial service will be 11:00 AM Monday, June 20, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 527 Taylor Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Visitation will be 4-6 PM Sunday, June 19, 2022, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Service, 213 E. Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456 and also 1 hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, Grand Haven, Michigan. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.

Carol Diane Schmidt

April 18, 1946 - May 24, 2022