Frank Leonard Schmid, age 76, passed away unexpectedly at home in Grand Rapids, MI, June 18, 2025. The son of Albert John and Agnes (nee Hines) Schmid, he was born in Philadelphia, PA on November 11, 1948.
After earning his undergraduate degree at Penn State University, Frank attended the Chicago School of Osteopathic Medicine. Weekend trips north and an internship at Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital eventually led him to put down roots in Grand Rapids, MI.
He founded Edmondson, Rouse and Schmid Family Medicine in Saranac, MI. His patients adored him, not just for his medical expertise but because he doled out as many hugs as treatment plans. He faithfully served the community until he retired in 2015. He also served as Director of the Ionia Area Hospice and ever the student, he completed a Master’s Degree in Education and became certified in Geriatric Medicine.
Frank was a proud military veteran. He served in the United Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1973. He rejoined the military with the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps in 2003. He served tours in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and rose to the rank of full Colonel.
Frank’s love for adventure and travel led him to Africa on a medical mission in 1994 with Samaritan’s Purse. It was on that trip that he met his future wife Barbara, whom he married in 1998 in Teton National Park.
Frank was a memorable personality – handsome, smart, fun-loving and deeply generous. He was an avid runner, completing multiple marathons and the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. In his retirement, he enjoyed rescuing dogs and cats, reading, splitting wood, traveling the globe and cocktail hour. He easily engaged with friends and strangers with a joke or kind words and left an imprint on everyone he met.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; children, Hilary (Josh) Schmid-Veazey, John Schmid and Andrew (Kristin) Schmid; and their mother Kathy Coffey; five grandchildren: Vance, Agnes, and Leonard Veazey, Eloise and Marlow Schmid; siblings: Kurt (Pamela) Schmid, Mary Bathey, Claire Kelly, Anne Muir and numerous extended family.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Watermark Country Club, 1600 Galbraith Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Visitation will begin at 10am. Planned remarks will start at 12pm with Military Honors to follow under the auspices of the Kent County Veteran Honor Guard. Refreshments will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Ionia Area Hospice, PO Box 124, Ionia, MI or at ioniahospice.org.
12 Responses
Barb,
Don & I are sorry to hear the news of Frank passing. Please know you are in our thoughts.
Frank left a legacy of caring and service. He will be remembered fondly. We are keeping all the family and friends in our thoughts.
Barb….I was saddened to hear of Frank’ s passing.. He was a fellow Vietnam Vet with whom I enjoyed many conversations about life after Nam.. We shared our political feelings and our patriotism as only one could who experienced the 60s and 70s.. He was a great guy and will be missed …You were blessed to be his partner…
More than a cousin, Frank was my big brother. We maintained contact over many years seeing each other at various family gatherings and in the last few years when I would visit Grand Rapids and more recently in Florida. Frank was a life long learner, a reader, a thinker, a lover of the outdoors. I loved his dry sense of humor, even when it was at my expense.
Among other things, I will always remember our conversations, especially those that happen when we walk our dogs together where my Seeing Eye dog Haley had a chance to be off harness and just run herself silly.
Barbara, you are often in my prayers these days, for strength, courage and perseverance, that God’s grace will bring you through this time of loss and of transition.
These prayers extend to Frank’s children and grandchildren and to his siblings, (also my loved cousins.
Barb
Scott and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Frank led a full life and will be missed by many.
Anne
Frank was my Dr and Friend until he retired! He was a very special man who took the time to listen! I have missed him since he retired! May God provide each of you comfort during this difficult time.
Frank was a close friend in Chicago at CCOM and was a great physician. So Saddened to hear of his passing. God bless you all in Michigan…. love,
Dr john Petersen
Frank was a classmate of mine at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and was always a kind and diligent man. I am so impressed by his service ,generosity and talent. The world needs more physicians and Patriots like Frank
Frank was a true gentleman and scholarly physician. We graduated in the same class at CCOM in 1979. Though we weren’t close he had my admiration and respect. He obviously sought to serve others with his life and skills. May God bless Barbara and the entire family and give them sweet memories.
Frank was a classmate at CCOM. I remember him to be hard working, gentle, and a good friend when you needed one. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Dr. John Bernero
Barbara, I was terribly saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. My sister (Megan) and I are Pam’s nieces and had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with “Uncle Frank,” and the Schmid clad on the beach in New Jersey many years ago as young children. We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and his children during this difficult time.
He gave me his Alter Boy vestments. Later, his family gave me the Lionel No. 10 red electric engine that might have also belonged to his father, Al.
Thank you,
2nd cousin James F. Boylan in Philadelphia