Robert Schmidt

Robert William Schmidt, age 96, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, after a long and well-lived life. During a brief illness, he was lovingly cared for by Capital City Hospice and his family, who were there when he left this world.

Bob was born on July 22, 1926, in Toledo, Ohio, to Albert Henry Schmidt and Norma Caroline Gfeller. He graduated from Maumee High School (1944) in Maumee, Ohio. After high school graduation, he enrolled in the United States Navy. He served nearly two years until he was honorably discharged due to the death of his only sibling, Erwin Schmidt, who died during World War II while piloting B-17s in the United States Army Air Corps.

Following his naval service, Bob earned a B.S. in Chemistry at University of Toledo (1950). He continued his education at The Ohio State University, earning his medical degree in 1954. Despite being a true Buckeye fan, he accepted a position in the University of Michigan Pathology residency program in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ann Arbor is where he met his wife, Jan, and raised their family in Dexter, Michigan.

Bob served as a pathologist, primarily at the University of Michigan, retiring in 2006 at the tender age of 80. He received numerous academic appointments throughout his career, ultimately becoming Professor Emeritus of Pathology at the University of Michigan Medical School in 1991.

Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura, in May 2004 and son, Tom, in March 2012. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jan Schmidt, of Columbus, Ohio; daughter Amy (Randy) Woock, of Carmel, Indiana; son David (Amy) Schmidt, of Dublin, Ohio; daughter-in-law Theresa Schmidt of Saline, Michigan; seven grandchildren, Ryan Woock, Ben Schmidt, Rachel Woock, Mackenzie Woock, Ava Schmidt, Aiden Schmidt, and Gabe Schmidt; and seven step-grandchildren, Jacob Mather, Stephanie Mather, Adam Mather, Camryn Mather, Kendall Mather, Avery Mather, and Peyton Mather.

Bob will be missed by all who knew and loved him; he was kind, patient, and loyal to his family. He was a hard-working and skilled pathologist and a dedicated son, brother, husband, and father. An avid runner throughout his life and into his 80s, he enjoyed running at Hudson Mills Metropark with his golden retrievers. He was also a big sports enthusiast and greatly enjoyed watching and attending University of Michigan football and basketball games.

A memorial service will not take place at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger, Dublin,