Melvin L. Schmidt, age 89, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 8:00 p.m., on Friday, February 16, 2018, at home, with his loving wife by his side. To honor Melvin’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue, with Rev. Dwayne J. Thoman officiating. To celebrate Melvin’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Melvin was born on October 30, 1928, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Reinhardt and Helen (Doerr) Schmidt.

Melvin started working at the age of 15 with the Dubuque Packing Company, as a ham boner, where he would remain a loyal employee for the next 46 ½ years of his life, until his well earned retirement which finally arrived in 1989. Melvin and Ora Miller were the true definition of childhood sweethearts and soul-mates; finding one another at the innocent young age of 12, while ice skating at Comisky Park in December of 1940. They developed their friendship over the years, and eventually were united in marriage as husband and wife on June 18, 1949, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Melvin built his bride a brand new home and together they filled it with love, and 9 adored children, who always knew they were his whole world. Melvin also had an adventurous side; he loved boating on the Mississippi River, camping with family every weekend, and traveling the country in his Winnebago. He was quite proud of holding the record for buying the most brand new Winnebagos off the assembly line; 11 in total. Melvin took great joy in taking his family and friends, his beloved Shih-poo, Isabelle, and any extra kids lucky enough to have the chance to ride along, to all 50 states, almost every National Park, and multiple visits to Florida and Disney World along the way. In their later years, Melvin and Ora would enjoy their status as snow birds in Yuma for over 25 years; throwing horseshoes, dancing, swimming, attending concerts, making countless memories and many new friends along the way, all the while soaking up the warm Arizona sun. Melvin was always the life of the party, serving up his famous Waterballs and Tanqueray Gin, all the while showing Ora his everlasting physical affection through each and every day. Ora meant everything to Melvin, and he loved her passionately for 68 ½ years. All of the memories we created will last a lifetime, Dad taught us all so much and he will continue to inspire us all. Melvin was undeniably the kind of man we all strive to be, and he did it so gracefully with such a natural ease and kindness that very few of us actually possess. We will miss you everyday, and at every family gathering Melvin, but thankfully we discover real peace in our trust that the Lord definitely has you tucked securely in His loving embrace and that we will all be reunited again one day for the greatest family reunion ever.

Those left to cherish Melvin’s memory include

his loving wife,
Ora Schmidt, Dubuque, IA;

his 8 children,
Terry (Sandi) Schmidt, Apple River, IL,
Deborah (Mike) Hoppmann, Dubuque, IA,
Tim (Barb) Schmidt, Dubuque, IA,
Vickie Parsons, Dubuque, IA,
Ron (Sheri) Schmidt, Epworth, IA,
Paul (Martha) Schmidt, Epworth, IA,
Sandy (Bob) Hunt, Bellevue, IA
and Lora (Todd) Perkins, Peosta, IA;

a daughter-in-law,
Liane Schmidt, Dubuque, IA;

26 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild;

and his siblings,
Jannan Hancock, Dubuque, IA,
Marion Richey, Cedar Rapids, IA
and Harold “Bud” Schmidt, Kansas City, KS.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Schmidt; a grandson, Justin Schmidt; a great-grandson, Christian Lyons; a sister, Helen (Ray) Hintgen; a brother, Ray Schmidt; a son-in-law, Jim Parsons; a sister-in-law, Vernetta Schmidt; and 2 brothers-in-law, Bill Hancock and Bob Richey.

A Melvin L. Schmidt memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

Melvin’s family would like to thank Dr. Whalen, the staff at Tri-State Dialysis, and all of the care givers at Home Instead, for taking such wonderful care of Dad.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com