Your wings were ready but my heart was not

My deepest sympathies to his friends, neighbors, and family.  Manny was a great neighbor, always doing things to make the neighborhood a better place to live, and looking out for people.  I will miss our walks, star gazing, his stories, and knowing I have a friend who is always willing to help in a pinch.  I'll miss that potato-potato-potato sound going by my house and knowing you are living free and enjoying life.

What a heartbreaking day since we had just talked to Manny a day before losing him.  Living just down the street, Vickie and I have come to love him for his unique personality.  It has always cracked me up about this craggy voiced biker guy walking around with a little Chihuahua. Manny was the perfect neighborhood watch resource and there were a few times when we got the banging (yes banging) on our door at 10:45 p.m. reminding us to close our garage door!  What a blessing to us all who got to experience his kind heart and his colorful stories.  His legacy will definitely live on for many years to come.  May God continue to bless the Schmidt family and we know He will comfort you through the tough days ahead.
Kent and Vickie Douglas

Deepest sympathy to Heather and close friends, and family. Manny was often misjudged based on his appearance, which delighted him!  His stories, good deeds, large personality and humor, by those lucky enough to have known him, will be cherished and missed by me and many, many others.

You will be missed 😢 💔 thank you so much for always being there for the last 50 years iv always loved you like family I wish I could of rode with you .always in my prayers and will never be forgotten I love ya my brother 🙏

He was the best neighbor to have and always willing to help and did many times for my boyfriend and I. Always welcome to chat and took care of snow plowing our neighborhood sidewalks. Enjoyed his smile and waves we always gave to each other. Will truly be missed. God has a great angel.

Karl, sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Sending you my condolences. Matt Buckley

Manny was a friend and good neighbor.  He loved his little dogs, and when I saw him walking the neighborhood we always talked.  He was kind and generous to me and my close neighbors.  He helped me on several occasions doing heavy lifting that I could not do.  Our driveways were the first to be plowed of snow.  His personality was unique and fun loving.  He will be greatly missed.  He was one of a kind.  PEACE to you Manny.  Susan

Manny and I met 3 years ago at about1:30 am in the middle of the street. He was walking Bella and I was walking after back surgery. We became friends and started walking together every morning at 1:30am. Manny would tell me about Heather, his friends (like I knew them), his past, accident, sports, and family.
This is really hard, Manny was my Best Friend.
 Thank you Manny.

I truly wish I had the words to convey how I feel knowing that Manny has been taken from this Earth. Over the last few days I’ve read the over abundance of tributes on social media and it is very evident that Manny’s big heart, wit, charm, and love  were felt by all that knew him. 

I first met Manny while working at Brewer Animal Hospital as he & Heather would bring their fur babies there. I then transitioned into my career with the Butler Family Funeral Home and would often see many visiting his beloved friend, Floyd, and the cemetery. 

Manny was notorious for checking in on myself and his fellow neighbor, Brian, making sure us “punk kids” were behaving. I will forever cherish hearing the adventures he had with his beloved Bunny and then Bella, how busy the firm was keeping Heather, what havoc he & Paula were getting into, and seeing his art creations. 

Give Heaven Some Hell, Manfred!

Heather
All of us at Famous Salon wish to extend our deepest condolences to you and all of Manny's family.   Treasure the many memories. RIP Manny you will never be forgotten 

-Famous Salon staff

I am so sorry to hear this. Please accept my sincerest condolences. My mail carrier told me about this on Friday. Manny was my neighbor who lived down the block from me. I would frequently see him  walking  his dog Bella , and occasionally he would stop and talk. I will always remember him as the nice man who always let me know whenever I left my garage door open! Rest in peace.

My parents live down the street from Manny. When I would come into town for a visit, we would often see him walking Bella. He’d always stop to chat if we were outside. I’ll miss his cheerful greetings and funny stories. And his love of big fireworks! I’m praying over your family, for God to be your comfort and strength during this hard time.

Manny was my best friend and was always there for me and my family for so many ups and downs throughout the years. He will be truly missed.

We four had been friends for over fifty years. I like so many others are grieving the loss of another, beloved friend right now. Manny was special in so many ways and I'm proud to call him my friend, my brother from another mother. I miss you already and will forever remember the hi jinx of our youth, the strength of our friendship and the bond and love we share. Goodbye my friend.

OBITUARY

Manfred "Manny" Schmidt

May 13, 1960 – May 30, 2024

Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center-Springfield

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