Lawrence Douglas " Max" Schmitt

Lawrence Douglas “Max” Schmitt, formally of Grand Rapids, age 82 passed away peacefully on Sunday February 28, 2016 at Guardian Angels Home in Elk Rapids, Minnesota. Max was born in Grand Rapids on August 22, 1933 to Joseph C. Schmitt SR. and Donna (Johnson) Schmitt, both predeceased Max. Max is survived by his wife Muriel in Elk Rapids, and his 3 children, Paul (Fernanda) of California, Kathie (Victor) Barousse of Florida, and Dan (Kelly) of Minnesota, step children Brand and Brenda McCluskey (Minnesota). Max leaves 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren who will miss him greatly. Also surviving are his brother Joseph JR. (Trudy) of Grand Blank, MI, several nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Virginia Schmitt. Max graduated from G.R. Catholic Central and U. of Minnesota. Max was born into a family that loved sports. Many family members would caravan to watch him play and were so proud of his accomplishments which were: High School earned 8 varsity letters and made the “All-City” team in Football, Basketball, and Baseball (2). He was on the 1949 GRCC “State Champion” football team. At the U. of MN he also earned 8 varsity letters; 4 in football and 4 in baseball. In football he was “Nations Back of the Week” and “Big Ten Back of the Week”. In baseball he was leading hitter for U of MN and was named “1st Team All American” centerfielder. He was offered a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, but joined the Army instead. They sent him to Germany where he was put into “Special Service” to entertain the troops by traveling Europe and playing the 3 sports against other Army teams. He was selected to the football “All Army” team as quarterback. Max played both offence and defense and in 1955 was 2nd in the “Most-Valuable Armed Forces Player” when he had 25 interceptions and several passes for touchdowns. After graduating from U of MN, Max worked as a salesrep for Wolverine World Wide in Columbus, OH. In 1975 he was promoted to National Sales Manager and moved to Wyoming, MI. Upon retirement Max returned to MN. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday April 23rd, at Holy Spirit Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Family will receive visitors at church beginning at 10:00 am prior to service.

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Lawrence Douglas " Max" Schmitt

August 22, 1933 - February 28, 2016