Wayne E. Schmidt

Wayne Emil Schmidt, 89, of Wakeman, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic Avon following a lengthy illness.

He was born August 20, 1936, in Vermilion, Ohio, and remained a lifelong resident of the Vermilion and Wakeman communities.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era.

He began his career at the Ford Automotive Plant in Lorain retiring in 1993, working on the paint line before transferring to the Parts Control Division, where he dedicated many years of service. He was then promoted to supervisor of the General Store. Wayne retired after 33 years of employment with Ford.

He attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Vermilion; Wayne was a hardworking and devoted family man. His love was was tending to his farm, Mariway Farms, and enjoyed boating and spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also served on the Florence Township zoning board.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Marilyn Ann (nee Beursken) Schmidt; his children, Jeffrey (Terri) Schmidt of Oberlin, Jennifer Sanders of Vermilion, Christopher Schmidt of Wakeman, and Jonathon Schmidt of Wakeman; his grandchildren, Hallie (Brett) Kaiser, Mary (Cody) Kelch, Derek (Courtney) Sanders, and Angelina Schmidt; great-grandchildren Grady Kelch, Cameron Kelch, Cora Kelch and Keltie Kaiser; and his sisters, Carol L. (Ron) Baaske of Vermilion, and Nancy (Dave) Gaston of Shelby, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Francis (nee Lipps) Schmidt; his brothers, Edward Schmidt and Gerald “Jerry” Dale Schmidt; sister, Alice Barry, his son-in-law, Douglas Sanders his sisters-in-law, Virginia Schmidt and Margaret Schmidt and brother-in-law, Herbert Lewis Barry.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. Military honors will be presented at 4:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Parish, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion with Father Paul Schreiner officiating.

Inurnment will be held at a later date at Birmingham Cemetery, Wakeman.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Mary Catholic Parish, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, OH 44089, or consider planting a tree in Wayne’s memory.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com