Heinz Horst Schmidt

Heinz Horst Schmidt passed away on September 14, 2026, at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana. He was born on December 26, 1937, in Dramburg, Germany, to Walter and Elsa (Kanwischer) Schmidt.

Heinz built a life marked by dedication, skill, and steady hard work. He graduated from high school in Germany, then began an apprenticeship in iron molding. He also earned a degree in Metallurgy, preparing for the work that would shape much of his life.

On June 1, 1960, he married Helga Gertrud Dubig, and together they built a family and a home. The couple welcomed four of their five children while living in Germany. In 1968, they moved to North Manchester, where Helga’s sister owned a house, and there they welcomed one more child and made their permanent home. Heinz and Helga shared many years together until her passing on February 2, 2024.

After settling in North Manchester, Heinz began working at the North Manchester Foundry. He started as a molder and, through years of effort and ability, worked his way up to Plant Manager. He devoted forty years to the foundry before retiring in 2008. In addition to his long career there, Heinz and Helga also delivered newspapers for the Wabash Plain Dealer on their country route.

Heinz was a man of many practical talents. He knew how to do nearly everything, from building and construction to electrical work, and he did the work on his own home himself. He was not one to sit still, preferring to keep busy and active. He spent time riding his John Deere tractor, going for walks, planting trees, feeding the deer, and reading German crime books and American westerns. He also enjoyed listening to German classical music. Though he was a serious man, he also had a sense of humor that was part of the way he moved through life.

The loving memory of Heinz Schmidt will be forever cherished by his children, Andrea Schmidt, Fort Wayne, Peter (Laurie) Schmidt, Fort Wayne, Michael Schmidt, North Manchester, and Robert Schmidt, Greensburg; grandchildren, Anthony “Tony” Schmidt, Fort Wayne, Eric (Tarrin) Schmidt, St. Petersburg, Florida, Corey Sensibaugh, Wabash, Hanna (Mitch) Moren, North Manchester, Madisyn Schmidt, North Manchester, Dawson (Shannon) Schmidt, New Castle, and Dakota Schmidt, Rushville; and great-granddaughter, Graceyn Moren, North Manchester. Heinz was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helga Gertrud Schmidt; son, Tom Schmidt; grandsons, William Carver III and Jeremy Schmidt; and sister, Hannelore “Hanne” Gummelt.

The family of Heinz Schmidt will grieve privately.

The family of Heinz Schmidt has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.