Ralph Harvey Schmidt passed away Saturday, September 5, 2020 at his residence in Manassas, Virginia.

Ralph was born on February 17, 1943 to Walter and Thelma Schmidt of Ludington, Michigan. Ralph often told anyone and everyone of his hometown, family, and riding his bike everywhere. He attended Lakeview Elementary, Ludington Junior High, and graduated Ludington High School in 1961. He later attended Michigan Tech and Long Beach State.

As a Boy Scout Explorer, Ralph and childhood friends became local legends with the successful launch of their three-foot one-and-a-half-pound rocket from the shores of Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake in May of 1960. The rocket reached an altitude of approximately one mile. Not bad for supplies that were either purchased, borrowed (tools) or donated for less than $550.

Ralph moved to California as a young adult to pursue more education, where he met his first wife Susanne. Eventually the two settled in Virginia where they raised their daughter Karyn and son Eric. Ralph, never one to be idle, helped to establish the Buckhall Volunteer Fire Department in 1981, while raising his family and working full time. He worked at several companies specializing in computer networking and engineering. He found pride in a job well done and earned a reputation as a hard worker, strong and fair supervisor, and a leader in his industry. While work provided much satisfaction and enjoyment, he continued his community service work but in a new capacity at the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1983. Later he was joined by his son Eric, who like his father became a cardiac tech. He spoke often of the hard work and dedication Karyn had for her studies and the drive to achieve her goals.

He later married Patricia Foley of Manassas, Virginia. They shared many adventures together including cruises and travels to many areas they had not previously explored.

Ralph eventually got involved in a sport that he both loved and hated, bowling. His scientific brain had a rough time dealing with a ball that did not understand the science he was using. He and his friends enjoyed many bowling events that had them traveling from Pennsylvania to Williamsburg, Virginia for tournaments.
Ralph and Myndi (his step-daughter) recently became roommates due to some life changes. He loved watching football, both college and professional, but especially Michigan football and often had to be reminded to have greater faith in their line-up. Weekends were often about channel surfing to find the best games or to see any game where Ohio was losing.

He enjoyed “getting his hair” done by his grandchildren, going fishing with them, cutting down bamboo to build forts, swimming and enjoying his well-earned retirement from DISA.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Thelma Schmidt and his wife of 19 years, Patricia. He is survived by two sisters, Janet Snyder and Helen Taylor(John), half sister Mary Lou Herman, daughter Karyn Schmidt, son Eric Schmidt, step-son William (Bill) Kenney(Mary), step-daughter Melinda (Myndi) Masters, countless grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

His family will receive invited guests on Thursday, September 17, 2020 for a private service at the Baker- Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Interment will follow in Stonewall Memory Gardens, Manassas, VA.

Guests may express condolences in the form of flowers, donations to local organizations that support STEAM, or youth programs in the area of space exploration.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Harvey Schmidt, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.