Joseph John Schmidt Jr., 71, of Turlock, died May 2 at Emanuel Medical Center.
A graveside service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 13 at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd. A memorial service will be held at noon on Thursday, May 13 at First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Berkeley Ave. Burial will be at Turlock Memorial Park.
Joseph was born and grew up in Philadelphia, Penn. where he received his elementary and prep school education. While employed in the industrial field, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. He was stationed in Texas, Alaska and Castle Air Force Sac Base in Atwater. He returned to college and completed his education at California State University, Stanislaus and was employed as a teacher for 26 years in the Waterford School District. Joseph loved antique cars and entered his own 1937 Jag replica in various exhibitions to raise funds for charities for children.
He was active in supporting needy families throughout the world as well as those in the local community. He used his creativity in gardening and landscaping, planting and cultivating every season. Holidays were especially challenging as he enjoyed lighting and designing décor both in and out of doors. He loved reading and discussing issues on a variety of topics.
He leaves his wife of 36 years, Lorna Johns Schmidt; niece and nephew and families; and cousins in Pennsylvania, New York and Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncle. Joseph was devoted to this many friends and neighbors and cherished their friendship. Because of his charitable nature, the family would like donations made in lieu of flowers. Some of Joe’s favorites were the Salvation Army, Save the Children, The Humane Society, First Presbyterian Church of Turlock, United Samaritan’s Foundation and Disabled Veterans.
Services are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias.
A graveside service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 13 at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd. A memorial service will be held at noon on Thursday, May 13 at First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Berkeley Ave. Burial will be at Turlock Memorial Park.
Joseph was born and grew up in Philadelphia, Penn. where he received his elementary and prep school education. While employed in the industrial field, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. He was stationed in Texas, Alaska and Castle Air Force Sac Base in Atwater. He returned to college and completed his education at California State University, Stanislaus and was employed as a teacher for 26 years in the Waterford School District. Joseph loved antique cars and entered his own 1937 Jag replica in various exhibitions to raise funds for charities for children.
He was active in supporting needy families throughout the world as well as those in the local community. He used his creativity in gardening and landscaping, planting and cultivating every season. Holidays were especially challenging as he enjoyed lighting and designing décor both in and out of doors. He loved reading and discussing issues on a variety of topics.
He leaves his wife of 36 years, Lorna Johns Schmidt; niece and nephew and families; and cousins in Pennsylvania, New York and Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncle. Joseph was devoted to this many friends and neighbors and cherished their friendship. Because of his charitable nature, the family would like donations made in lieu of flowers. Some of Joe’s favorites were the Salvation Army, Save the Children, The Humane Society, First Presbyterian Church of Turlock, United Samaritan’s Foundation and Disabled Veterans.
Services are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias.
