Elaine M. Schmidt MD's Obituary
Elaine M. Schmidt MD, age 67, passed away very suddenly at her home on Friday, September 12, 2025. She was born July 24, 1958 in Detroit, MI to Donald R. and Marlene R. (Young) Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt received her undergraduate degree and her doctorate degree from Wayne State University with great pride. After medical school, Dr. Schmidt moved to the Muskegon area when she joined the practice of Westshore Family Medicine and enjoyed a 38-year career there practicing medicine until her retirement in July 2025. Her largest moment of joy was having a family and receiving her son Colton and she devoted herself to her son’s upbringing. She was extremely passionate about sports – especially U of M Football and the Detroit Lions. She volunteered at Muskegon Catholic Central for many years as the gatekeeper for the home football games. Dr. Schmidt enjoyed gardening, walks at the beach and had been on a beach volleyball league for over 25 years. In recent years, she also enjoyed the time spent at her family cottage and traveling with her brother-in-law, Helmut, who she had a very special friendship. She was very devoted to her faith and most recently attended Prince of Peace Catholic Church where she sang alto in the choir. Survivors include her son, John “Colton” Koopman; 2 brothers, James (Julia Mao) Schmidt, Joseph (Mindy) Schmidt; 1 sister, Catherine (Ted Blaker) Schmidt; nieces, nephews and great nephews, Sierra, Heidi, Trinity, Nicole, Daniel (Martina), Luis, and her brother-in-law and friend, Helmut Vogl. She was preceded in death by her parents; 1 sister, Donna Schmidt; and her former spouse, John Koopman. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1110 Dykstra Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445, with Rev. Fr. Godfrey Onyekwere presiding. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Wednesday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, where the Rosary will be prayed at 5:15 PM. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass on Thursday at the church. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Dexter, MI. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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