Donald Wayne Schmidt

Donald Wayne Schmidt

October 14, 1940-April 9, 2025

Donald "Don" Wayne Schmidt, recently of LaPorte, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by close family, friends and fur babies. Born in Hammond, IN on Oct. 14th, 1940, he sowed his wild oats in Connecticut in the early 1950s before joining the Marines in 1958. He served his country with pride and honor, completing his service in 1962. He attended art school in Chicago when he got the call to the teaching profession and completed his bachelor's degree in Industrial Education from Purdue University. He started and finished an illustrious teaching career at South Middle School in Arlington Heights, IL, where he helped shape, mold and influence many generations of pupils passing through his classroom, while also obtaining his Master's in Education Administration.

His true passion was his family; he was instrumental in helping raise three generations of nieces and nephews. A devout Catholic, he rarely missed Sunday Mass and used the lessons of his religion as a cornerstone of how he lived his life. He was also an avid sports fan; he lived and breathed Notre Dame, Purdue football and Green Bay Packers Football.

He is survived by nieces, Valerie and Michele Buck, nephew Edward Grube and Veronica (Rusty) Williams, great-nephews Jeff (Sarah) Graska Jr., Kyle (Kim) and Skyler (Hailey) McManaway, great-nieces Jill Graska and Angelica Buck, Ryan and Raeann Williams, and great-great nephews, Davin and DeSean Graska. Also, among those mourning, yet celebrating his life, are close friends Raffaele Remedi, Charlie and Stephanie Green and their littles (Phoenix "Bean", Dahlia and Bubby). He is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Fitzsimmons, brother Robert Buck and sister Barbara (Schmidt) Grube. He is home now with his family and a lifetime of beloved family pets, but his legacy lives on through his nieces and nephews and all of his former students.

Arrangements are under the direction of Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, *** 602 Maple Ave. Laporte, IN 46350 - Phone Number: (219) 362-3333 ***.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later time. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, in memory of Don, please reach out and do a random act of kindness, pay it forward.

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com