Alumni News
Robert M. Schmidt
September 14, 1948 — January 11, 2008
I am deeply saddened by the passing of our alum, colleague and friend, Robert Schmidt. This is a great loss to our community as he was a highly devoted public servant and wonderful human being.
- Mohammad Torabi, Chair of the Department of Applied Health Science
BLOOMINGTON — Robert M. Schmidt, of Bloomington, formerly of Chesterton, died Friday, January 11, 2008, at Bloomington Hospital. He was 59 years old.
Born September 14, 1948, in Rhinelander, WI, he was the son of Robert and Ann (Martnick) Schmidt. He was a Graduate of Indiana University and held a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Tulane University.
Robert was a retired Major in the United States Army, serving 20 years until his retirement in 1991. He was currently the head administrator for the Monroe County Health Department.
Robert was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, something he was very passionate about and where he served as a Eucharistic Minister.
He was a member of the Indiana Public Health Association. He loved watching sports and going to ball games, and enjoyed playing golf with his children.
Robert is survived by his wife, Debra (Haldeman) Schmidt of Bloomington; two sons, Robert S. Schmidt of Bloomington and Daniel Schmidt and his wife, Jennifer, of Jacksonville, FL; a daughter, Katherine Schmidt and her fiance, Steven Caves, of Bloomington; one sister, Judy Pappas of Frankfort, IL; two brothers, Allen Schmidt of Westfield, IN, and Gregory Schmidt of Chesterton, IN; and eight nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, at 12:00 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, with Father Charlie Chesebrough as celebrant. Services will conclude at the church.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Allen Funeral Home and on Wednesday from 10:00 -11:30 at the funeral home.
Interment will be with Military Honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Church, 2224 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401, or the American Cancer Society.
(Originally published in the Herald Times obituary on 1/13/2008.)
Schmidt Remembered
To the editor:
I am writing to pay tribute to Bob Schmidt, a mentor, public health professional and friend. After 36 years of serving members of Monroe County in the public health field, he had the foresight to keep adapting to the constantly changing health issues of today.
Bob made innovations and improvements that made Monroe County a leader in the arena of public health and private citizens able to benefit from his work. Bob exemplified health through his work and personal life. I had the pleasure of working under his direction both as an undergraduate intern at IU and employee at the Monroe County Health Department. Bob taught by example and encouraged his staff to explore new ideas.
My career would not be where it is today without the support of Bob Schmidt. He would give you the shirt off his back or lend you an ear in time of need. He helped so many people and made an impact on many lives through the health department, Indiana University and the community of Bloomington where he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and the health department staff at this time.
God bless.
- AMY RICHARD, Manchester, Conn.
(Originally published in the Herald Times on 1/18/2008.)
