Edmund “Ed” J. Schmidt, 59, of Springfield, died at 10:05 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 24, 2021, at Springfield Memorial Hospital, after a long, hard battle with pancreatic cancer.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, at Butler Funeral Home in Springfield. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Face coverings are required. Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following the visitation. A private family graveside ceremony will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Butler Funeral Home in Springfield is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Smith was born on Oct. 9, 1962, in Springfield, the son of Helmut and Mathilde Helmreich Schmidt.
At the time of his death, Mr. Smith was employed with Memorial Health System. He was also a former employee of HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Lewis Memorial Christian Village, and Oak Terrace. Mr. Smith was a quiet and soft-spoken person. He was also a very loving and caring man who loved and cared deeply for his family and friends. He was a member of the Westside Christian Church in Springfield.
Mr. Smith loved all types of music, but he particularly enjoyed listening to his favorite song “Du hast” by the German band, Rammstein. He was a collector of various things, but dragon-themed items were his favorite. He loved to read and watch scary movies, especially those written and produced by Stephen King.
Mr. Smith is survived by his children,Jessica Williams of Litchfield, Timothy Schmidt, Matthew (Kathryn) Schmidt, Bradley Schmidt and Nicholas Schmidt, all of Springfield; nine grandchildren; siblings, Karl (Sharron) Schmidt of Springfield, Robert (Terri) Schmidt of AZ, Monika Hickey, Herbert and Reinhard Schmidt, Brigitte (James) Christine, Manfred (Heather McKinney) Schmidt, fraternal twin sister, Rosemarie Schmidt, all of Springfield, Richard (Brenda) Schmidt of CA, and Kristine (Timothy) Hays of Cantrall; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959; Siteman Cancer Center, 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, MO 63110; the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; or the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702. Condolences may be left online at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com.
