WALKER, Mich. — The Walker community is mourning the loss of Bill Schmidt Jr., who served as the Walker Fire Chief for 17 years.
Bill died Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 82 years old. He's now being remembered as an enthusiastic public servant and loving father.
Before coming to Michigan, Bill worked in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, where he became a firefighter and received paramedic training. He then transferred to Walker and served as fire chief beginning in 1993.
After retiring, Bill kept busy. He worked as a director of operations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he helped with the emergency response for hurricanes and other natural disasters.
He also had many hobbies, including bowling, golfing, playing the accordion and gardening. He took many vacations with his family and enjoyed fishing trips to Ontario. Bill also loved cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs.
Along with his wife, Sandra, he is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.
"He faced challenges head-on with a spirit of fierce determination, and his selfless heart allowed him to impact the lives of countless others," reads his obituary. "Though he will be deeply missed, Bill leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps."
A visitation will be held Thursday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes' Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. A vigil and a chance to share memories of Bill will take place at 7:30 p.m.
A funeral service for Bill will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
His family has asked for donations to be made to West Michigan Hospice in lieu of flowers.
You can read Bill's full obituary here.
