Donald O. Schmidt, 91 of Mendota passed away December 24, 2018 in his home

Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Compton with Rev. Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military rites by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be Friday from 4-7 p.m., in the Merritt Funeral Home. Mendota and one hour prior to services in the church.

Donald was born June 6, 1927 in Compton to John and Amelia (Liebert) Schmidt. He married Velma Heinzeroth June 27, 1954 at Zion Evangelical Church in Mendota.

Donald served in the United States Army from 1945-1947 during WWII in the European Theater of Operations with the H.R. Company 1120 Engineering Corps. He farmed in Compton from 1947-1971. He was a licensed taxidermist from 1947-2006. He was a foreman at Agricultural Builders Company in Mendota retiring in 1989 after 18 years of employment. Don was a lifetime member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Compton, lifetime member of Mendota VFW Post 4079, American Legion Post 540 and 50 year member of Mendota Elks Lodge 1212 joining in 1967. Don spent his spare time hunting, fishing, and mowing lawns. He enjoyed picture taking, woodworking and working with his hands. He enjoyed spending time with his family and helping others.

He is survived by his wife Velma of Mendota; three daughters Nancy (David) Walzer and Karen (Sonny) Sterchi both of Mendota and Becky (Dan) Sarver of West Brooklyn; eight grandchildren Tera Frazer, Daniel (Tania) Walzer, Trisha Walzer, Andrew (Vicki) Walzer, Christopher (Samantha) Sarver, Chad (Brittney) Sarver, Brian Walzer and Tiffany (Bobby) Martinez; 13 loving great grandchildren; a twin sister Dorothy Burkart; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by a grandson Timothy Walzer, sister Wilma Scott, and four brothers Raymond, Edmund, Harold and John.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Mendota Area Senior Services.