Date: January 9th, 2021
Carl was born in Grosswelsbach, Germany, the youngest of four children. As a family they immigrated to Canada in 1953 and eventually settled and began farming in Rainier, Alberta. After high school Carl moved to Calgary where he took mechanical design and drafting at SAIT. After turning his life over to Jesus, he attended Prairie Bible Institute to gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and God’s will for his life, taking an almost 2 year course in one year. While studying he took on drafting projects for the college. It seemed God led him right back into the original career he had a love for – design and taking on big projects. In 1972 he married Antje Grigat whom he met while working in Ontario the previous year. They moved to Calgary, then Lacombe where he was partner in a farm equipment manufacturing company. In 1977 they moved to Spruce Grove with their two young daughters. A third daughter was born in 1983. He worked for several different companies in Edmonton and became self employed. One of his big projects was for a Canadian drill pipe company in Houston, TX. He designed the facility and the whole material-handling, heat treating and quench system. He was considered one of the best tool designers. 2020 was Carl’s first year of full retirement.
Dad loved wood working. His study is filled with his hand carved birds – an unfinished heron sits on his desk awaiting completion. Around the house one can find unique pieces of furniture designed and skillfully crafted by his hands. His daughters still cherish the wooden toys he built for them when they were young. He loved God’s creation – particularly birds (owls and song birds being favorites), and enjoyed going for hikes in nature reserves and parks. His binoculars were within ready reach on the counter to watch the birds that visited the backyard. He loved to read, study and discuss Scripture, taking notes of the insights he gleaned. He was involved in the church – overseeing maintenance, making home visits and leading Bible studies. Dad was always available to lend a hand when help was needed – running to Canadian Tire to get the needed part to fix the problem, or just coming along to give support and offer advice. He was a great listener, even if he disagreed with one’s view point.
Dad made his family laugh (and many others), with his unique sayings and funny sense of humor. We will never forget him groaning and saying, “The grand finally!” as a singer or the instruments would come to a loud, long and drawn-out end. Nor will we forget his statement about being famous as he drove slowly up a mountain side or along a narrow highway with dozens of vehicles trailing behind him. I don’t think our family can ever look at a plate of cheese and not hear him say something about “the famous cheese plate.” After a hearty meal he would make mention of his breathing pants. To something he didn’t like he would say, “You can chase me with that.” It also brought us a smile when he would drop his head when something that was done or said or the thought of having to do something he didn’t feel like doing made him “feel soft” (tired).
Carl was a humble, sweet, loving, supportive, involved husband, Dad and Opa. He is greatly missed by Antje (his wife of 48 years), daughters and sons-in-law: Jennifer (Rob), Carolyn (James) and Elizabeth, and his grandboys: Seth, Konrad and Landon.
Due to the pandemic restrictions a private family service will be held. Interment will take place at the Pioneer Cemetery in Spruce Grove, Alberta.
Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Mustard Seed or to Hope Mission.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Carl Konrad Schmidt 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: TOFIELD, Province: Alberta