Helga Gertrud Schmidt, 81, North Manchester, passed away on February 2, 2024, at Heritage Park Nursing Home in Fort Wayne. She was born on February 1, 1943, to Richard and Gertrud (Moock) Dubig in Varel, Germany, in West Germany. Helga’s father went missing in Russia during WWII and was declared dead. Her mother then married Heinz Meinardus, who raised Helga as his own.
Living half her life in Germany, Helga graduated from high school in Germany. On June 1, 1960, she married Heinz Schmidt, and the couple had four of their five children while living in Germany. In 1968 they moved to North Manchester, where Helga’s sister owned a house. They had one more child here and put down roots. Helga worked at Bryan Manufacturing, Eaton Controls, and Midwest Poultry for twenty years before retiring.
Helga took great pride in her children and grandchildren and loved them all immensely. Her affection extended beyond her family to friends and animals as well. She took in stray animals, especially cats, to ensure they had a good home. She was also incredibly talented at creating and painting porcelain dolls by hand, taking much care and pride in the construction of every single one.
The loving memory of Helga Schmidt will be forever cherished by her husband of sixty-three years, Heinz Schmidt, North Manchester; sons, Peter (Laurie) Schmidt, Fort Wayne, Michael Schmidt, North Manchester, and Robert Schmidt, Greensburg; daughter, Andrea Schmidt, Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Anthony Schmidt, Columbia City, Eric (Tarrin) Schmidt, St. Petersburg, Florida, Corey Sensibaugh, Wabash, Hanna Schmidt, North Manchester, Madisyn Schmidt, North Manchester, Dawson (Shannon) Schmidt, New Castle, and Dakota Schmidt, Rushville; and great-granddaughter, Graceyn Schmidt, North Manchester. Helga was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather; son, Tom Schmidt, who passed away in 2008; two grandsons, William Carver III and Jeremy Schmidt; and her sister.
At the request of Helga, no traditional services will be held. Rather, she wanted to be remembered and honored through acts of kindness and love toward others and animals.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Helga Schmidt, memorial contributions may be made to Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Ave., Wabash, Indiana 46992.
The family of Helga Schmidt has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com