Karl A Schmidt Jr.

Karl A. Schmidt Jr., 96, of Fort Gratiot, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025. He was born July 27, 1928 in Detroit to the late Karl A. and Helen A. Schmidt. He married Lois P. Colling on September 22, 1951 in First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Algonac and they were married for 39 years until she was taken by cancer in December of 1990. Karl found love again and married Kathryn A. Hrisca on June 17, 1995 in First Congregational Church in Port Huron. She preceded him in death on April 30, 2020. Karl was a graduate of Algonac High School and also attended Hillsdale College for two years. He worked at Chris-Craft Corporation in Algonac for many years. When the family moved to Port Huron, Karl worked for Marshall E. Campbell Company, where he became General Manager. He was also a salesman for the AMF Corporation, Michigan Marine Company and Michigan Equipment Distributors. The family was active in the local Lutheran church, including the Faith Lutheran and Our Saviour Lutheran congregations. Karl's favorite activities were spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren; caring for their home, yard and garden; golf; and being near the water and watching ships traversing the lakes and rivers. He was also an avid American history buff. He is survived by his children, Karl Schmidt III, Karri (Joe) Bloemer and Kirk Schmidt; grandchildren, Jordan Rushlow, Andrew Rushlow, Scout Schmidt and Chance Schmidt; great grandchildren, Gavin, Mason and Hudsyn Rushlow; step-daughter, Julie (Eric) Hinson; and sister-in-law, Janet Schmidt. Karl was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Schmidt. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. The Reverend Dr. Joseph Baunoch will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillsdale College. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com .