Duane A. Schmidt

Duane A. 'Smitty' Schmidt, 76 of Rockford, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Amberwood Care Center. Born July 27, 1936 in Beloit, WI the son of William and Alta (Miller) Schmidt. Graduate of West High School and married his loving wife Susan Cary on January 20, 1978 in Rockford. Worked as a baker at Colonial Bakery for 20 years until he retired in 1998. Smitty was an avid LA Lakers and 49ers fan and he and Susan enjoyed traveling to California for vacation. He was well known for his famous goulash, watching movies, working in the yard and taking time out to read a good book. He most enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he loved and adored very much. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to his favorite nurses and CNAs at Rockford Memorial Hospital on the ICU and Acute ICU units, B-4 floor and the doctors and staffs at Amberwood and the Emergency Room at Rockford Memorial Hospital.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 35 years, Susan of Rockford; children, Richard Schmidt of Machesney Park, Janice (Mike) McKee of Loves Park, Anita (Greg Bryer) Cary of Rockford, Arlene (Rob) Weber of IN, Andrea (Teri Mahoney) Cary of FL, Jennifer (Chuck) O'Brien of Rockton, Kathy Gasparini of South Beloit, Lauren Frye of Byron and Lynda Withrow of Rockton; grandchildren, Miranda (Ray Floyd) McKee, Michael Jr. and Nathan McKee, Allison Jochims, Jacob (Lindsy) Jochims, Megan, Ryan, Abby and Emily Weber, Charlie O'Brien III and Logan O'Brien; great grandchildren, Anastasia and Dominic Floyd. Preceded in death by his parents; brother, William and sister, Winifred Roeche.
Funeral service Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Ave, Loves Park with Rev. Brent Dahlseng officiating. Visitation Monday, March 18 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. from 5-8 p.m. and continues on Monday at church from 10 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers and plants please make memorials to the family.