IN MEMORIAM: Herman Schmid, 81;
Lifelong Farmer, Middlefield Official
MIDDLEFIELD – Herman Schmid Jr., 81, whose farming career took him from horse-drawn equipment to modern farming methods, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, after a struggle with multiple health issues, never losing his characteristic gentle good humor, patience and kindness to all.
He was born on March 23, 1935, in Cooperstown, to Herman Schmid, Sr. and Frida (Scholl) Schmid of Middlefield. He grew up and lived his life on the family dairy farm.
In 1968, Herman married Waltraud (Trudy) Ullrich, formerly of Mannheim, Germany. She pre-deceased him in 2011, after a happy marriage and partnership running the farming business. Together, they had made many improvements, taking advantage of innovations to develop a successful, yet manageable farming enterprise. Upon retirement, they enjoyed travel to see friends and family in Germany, Austria, and several regions of the U.S.
Mr. Schmid started his education in the two-room schoolhouse in Middlefield, and attended junior high and high school at the Cherry Valley Central School, graduating in 1954.
He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Middlefield, a member and president of the Westford Mixed Bowling League, and an early member of the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member and chair of the Middlefield Town Planning Board for many years.
Herman is survived by his brother, Fred Schmid (Judy Schmid) of Marblehead, Mass.; his daughter, Viola Schmid-Doyle (Brian Doyle) of Canton, and grandchildren Katja and Gabriel; and his son, Lars Schmid (Robin Dennis) of Middlefield, and grandson Ian. For the past three years, his dear friend, Delphine Kerzick, shared with him many treasured hours of companionship.
Calling hours will be 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Middlefield Baptist Church, with the funeral service following at 6 p.m.
To send online condolences visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley.
