Fredrick J. Schmidt, Sr., age 81, of Huntley, passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on January 1, 2026.
Fred was born on April 29, 1944, in Snover, Michigan, the son of George and Ida (Shaw) Schmidt. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Fred worked for American Airlines retiring after 35 years.
On September 29, 1988, Fred married Ronnaleigh Bieze. Fred and Ronnaleigh made their home in Del Webb of Huntley, a community where they were very active and formed many lasting friendships.
Fred loved deeply and lived fully. He was an avid model train enthusiast, a Knight of Columbus, and a member of the Huntley American Legion. His greatest joy was his family—especially his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Papa.”
Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Ronnaleigh; his daughters, Christine (Tim) Brady, Annette (Daniel) Jackson, and step-daughter Margaret (Rodney) Smith; daughter-in-law, Courtney Tiner-Schmidt; and his ten grandchildren: Victoria, Grant, Cole, Quinn, Madeline, Connor, Caraleigh, Hayden, Clayton, and Landon. He is also survived by his brother, David Schmidt, and his sister, Rita (Brian) McNeely. As well as his beloved dog Bandit.
He was preceded in death by his son, Frederick Schmidt Jr. (Courtney Tiner) his parents; and his siblings, Dick (Mary), Paul (Beverly), and Tony (Edie).
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Hampshire. Burial will follow at St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery in Hampshire.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Charles Borromeo / St. Vincent de Paul Society.
For further information, please contact DeFiore Funeral Home at 847-515-8772, or leave online condolences at www.defiorefuneral.com.
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A wonderful older cousin that I loved and admired! So happy for the wonderful life he had! Condolences to Roni and the children, grandchildren, as well as his remaining siblings! Sending love and hugs across the miles! May your joyful memories buoy you up in this difficult time! Dick and Jeanne (Bender) Fizell Olathe KS
Very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing…. my deepest sympathy for Roni and family. May he rest in blessed peace! Amen 🙏🙏🙏
Roni, so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and the entire family.
So sorry to hear of Fred's death. I have lots of memories of the two of you at the Schmidt family get togethers. Will be thinking of you in the future weeks. I have been through this a couple of years ago.May God bless you.
Many happy memories coming out to the farm with my Grandma Louise Jones. I loved Aunt Ida and Uncle George and enjoyed seeing my cousins.