Udo Schmidt, 73, of Walpole died December 23 in Norwood Hospital. He was the husband of Mary E. (Edwards) Schmidt.
Born in Swinary, Poland October 26, 1942, the son of the late John and Juliana (Reichenbach) Schmidt.
Udo and Mary moved to Walpole in July 2015 to begin their new life in retirement.
In addition to his wife, Udo’s family includes his brothers, the late Bruno and Marlis, the late Ewald, his wife Diane, Henry and his wife Annie, Edward and his sister Helga and her husband Hans Hermann.
He is also survived by his two children, Kristen and David.
An educator most of his life, Udo was a fourth and eighth grade teacher and principal at St. Luke’s in Chicago. He was also a referee at St. Luke’s. Udo began Martin Luther Christian Day School in Stoughton, WI and was the principal. He was a teacher and principal at the Martin Luther School in Arizona, principal at the Red Hill Lutheran School in Tustin, CA., principal at the First Lutheran School in Glendale, CA., and a fourth grade teacher at Emmaus Lutheran School in CA.
Udo was in softball and basketball leagues in Chicago. He worked for the Chicago Cubs Organization as a security guard (his favorite position in all of his life), and was a member of the Lion’s Club, Stoughton, WI.
Udo loved life and had a very strong faith in God. He read the bible 14 years in a row and was heartfelt with his spirituality. He was passionate about Martin Luther and actually did his thesis on him. Udo admired and was inspired by Luther’s dedication to God and the church.
A memorial service for Udo will be held January 9 at 11 a.m. at the United Church, Common Street, Walpole, MA.
Donations in Udo’s memory may be made to Norwood Hospital, 800 Washington St. Norwood, MA 02062
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home Walpole, 892 Main St. Walpole.