Elmer Ernest “Al” Schmidtchen

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, June 23, 2011 after a short stay at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. He was born in Lansing, MI on March 24, 1928 the son of Ernest and Alvina Schmidtchen. He was currently of DeWitt, MI.

Al retired from General Motors after 45 years of service in experimental engineering. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting and especially time spent with family and friends at the annual deer camp. His favorite hobby was playing Keno with his friends at the Center Stage lounge. He is reunited now with his loving wife and best friend of 44 years, Louise Schmidtchen.

He is survived by his sons, Ernest E. (Kathy) Schmidtchen of DeWitt, Jeffrey L. Schmidtchen of St. Johns and Timothy (Lupe) Schmidtchen of Fowler; sister, Vickie (William) LeBaron of DeWitt; grandchildren, Stephanie (Aaron) Perry, Erica (Corey) Feldpausch, Timothy Schmidtchen, Samantha Schmidtchen; several great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and special caring friend, Dianna Shanka.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Interment will be in Gunnisonville Cemetery in DeWitt. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.