Arthur David Schmidt

On the morning of Dec. 10, 2013, we lost a great man. Arthur David Schmidt, 71, passed away after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, a year after his initial diagnosis.

He left behind his high school sweetheart and wife, Jackie, to whom he was married for 50 years (and three days). He is also survived by his four children; Joseph, Susan, Jennifer, and Jason; and four grandchildren; Katy, Alex, Ava, and Max Schmidt.

He was born on Oct. 17, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisc.

Art was a hard-working, strong, and incredibly loving man. He could usually be found riding his Harley-Davidson or working in his shop with Jackie, listening to country music and taking her in his arms for an impromptu dance when Waylon Jennings played. His charming, soft-spoken demeanor set him apart from others and he was always described as a great listener. His most prominent attribute was how he cared for others, most especially his family. His amazing personality served him well from his high school speed-skating days through the time he served as the Deputy Commission of Corrections for the state of Alaska, indeed he was caring and loving right until the day he passed.

Although he was physically defeated, his unassailable spirit will remain with us forever. The service is at 11 a.m., Dec. 21 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Palmer. A celebration of life will follow the funeral at 12:30 p.m., at his son Jason’s airplane hangar, Fabrications Unlimited, 3211 Travel Aire, Wasilla.

May he be remembered as the honorable, caring man he has always been.

Arrangements were by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel of Wasilla.