Iron River – Ernest "Ernie" G. Schmidt, 87, of Iron River, Mich., passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Mich.

He was born on May 14, 1936, in Crystal Falls, Mich., to the late John and Anna (Novak) Schmidt. He grew up in Crystal Falls and was a graduate of Crystal Falls High School, class of 1954. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1958.

Ernie married Barbara Sambol on November 19, 1960, in Chicago, Ill., at St. Theodores Catholic Church.

Ernie was a miner and logger for many years, where he enjoyed the outdoors. He built a camp on Panola Plains, where he loved to hunt and at the end of the day hoop it up with family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-two years, Barbara Schmidt; sons, Ernest "Ernie" (Karen) Schmidt, George (Patricia) Schmidt, and Larry Schmidt; daughters, Joan (Mike) Grissett, Ann (Joe) Fittante, and Jen Williams; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Kucala; brother-in-law, Jimmy Brown; and many nieces; nephews; and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kristin Fittante; son-in-law, Richard Williams; sister, Anna Arcand; and brothers, John, Robert, and Paul Schmidt.

Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Crystal Falls, Mich., on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Fr. Janusz Romanek officiating. Ernie, George, Larry, and Gabe Schmidt, Joe Fittante, and Gary Arcand, will serve as pallbearers. Military Honors will be presented by East Side Veterans of Crystal Falls, Mich.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to the staff of Oscar G. Johnson Medical Center for their heartfelt compassion and excellent care to Ernie.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Ernie's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, Mich., to honor Ernie's legacy of life.