Donald William "Don" Schmidt, 87, entered eternal rest on Saturday, October 25, 2014 in Prescott, AZ.

He was born in Milwaukee, WI on March 31, 1927 to Edward and Wanda Schmidt. In the family also were two younger siblings, David and Eunice. Don completed elementary and high school in Milwaukee. Following high school in WWII, he was drafted into the military and served 18 months in both the U.S. and the Aleutian Islands. After military service he attended college, first at Omaha University, then graduating in 1951 from the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. In the following years he was employed by Braden Copper Co. (Chile, S.A.), Anaconda Copper (Butte, MT) and Chino Mines (NM).

In Montana, Don met a young lady, Anna Jolene Noel, who was a nursing student. They were married in 1953; moved to Silver City and established their home and raised four children. Jolene worked at both Hillcrest and GRMC hospitals until her passing in 1990. At Chino, Don worked in various capacities in mine engineering, mine maintenance, and project engineering until his retirement in 1989.

In retirement, Don participated in numerous Elderhostel programs in Europe, the Baltics, South and North America, Australia and New Zealand. In this area, Don participated in organizations ranging from Toastmasters Club to Boy Scouts. Don also was a founding member of Messiah Lutheran Church and served as Treasurer for over 20 years.

Don is survived by his children, Forrest, George, Donna and Paul; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Saturday, November 1 at 10am at Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Joseph Pellegrino officiating. In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made in Don's honor directed to Messiah Lutheran Church 2501 Swan St. Silver City, NM 88061. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.