Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Nathan “Nate” Schmidt Memorial
Nathan “Nate” Schmidt Memorial

Nathan “Nate” Schmidt

Nathan “Nate” Schmidt

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

Nathan “Nate” Schmidt, age 90, a longtime resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away peacefully in his home on November 3, 2010, the very day of his own father’s birth.

He was born October 13, 1920 in Annamoose, ND to Philip and Anna Schmidt, the 5th of eight children.  Nathan served in the United States Navy as a radioman and was a proud WW II veteran, serving on the USS Wayne, USS Colhoun and USS Serius. Prior to the war he met the love of his life, Rose Westerberg, and they were married on May 23, 1943 in Long Prairie, Minnesota.  They resided in Oakland, California until moving to Longview, Washington in 1946 where he worked for Longview Fiber.

In 1954 Nathan moved his wife and six children to Sedro-Woolley where he began his career with the opening of Shell Oil Refinery as an Instrument Mechanic, advancing to Instrument Foreman.  He retired from Shell Oil in 1981 after 26 years with the company. He has remained in Sedro-Woolley and has resided at Country Meadow Village for the past 13 years.

Nathan had two primary goals in the later years of his life.  He wanted to be there for his wife, with her and for her in her last days.  That goal was accomplished as she passed away only eight months ago, February 2010.  He also wanted to celebrate his 90th birthday.  That too, was a wonderful, multi-day celebration at his home with friends and family, just three short weeks ago.

Throughout his life Nathan was known as a family man as he worked hard to provide well for his wife and children.  He was strong in his faith, was a charter member of Valley Baptist Church and was very dedicated to his church. A very important part of Nathan’s later years was his time volunteering at United General Hospital.  He felt so valued and appreciated by the staff and made many dear friends through this contact.  Nate left this earth with the peace of knowing he would be entering his heavenly home, joining many family members and friends.

Nathan was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Rose; a son Tommy; two brothers and two sisters.

Nathan is survived by his two sons, Dan (Monica) of Concrete, WA;  Jon (Hank) of Sedro-Woolley; three daughters, Suzanne (Dave) Rigby of Arlington, VA;  Kathie (Bill) Malcomb of Balboa, CA; and Cyndi (Keith) Sorestad of Sedro-Woolley; two sisters Agnes Docken and Adeline Jones of MN; and one brother Sid Schmidt of Texas; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of Country Meadow Village for their years of help and friendship that was so important to him, to Hospice for their intervention in his last days and to the doctors and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital and United General Hospital.

A celebration of Nathan’s life will be Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 1:00 PM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley followed by a fellowship at Country Meadow Village. Visitation  will be on Monday, November 8 from 9-5:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Country Meadow Village Resident Fund, 1501 Collins Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA  98284 or to Valley Baptist Church, 710 John Liner Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.

Guestbook

  • Nanci Allen

    Hank and Jon and family – I’m so sorry for both of you – My deepest sympathy and prayers for this challenging time. Lots of love to you and the families.

  • Pastor Dan Panter

    Brother Nate, thank you for being an excellent Deacon and a super mentor for me as a new pastor. I’ll never forget you and how you worked with me to help me in learning to be an effective pastor. I remember how in difficult situations you always said, “God’s still on His throne.” I think of that often when I am going through some life difficulty. I’m thrilled that you are finally getting to see God on His throne. How wonderful and exciting! You’re with Jesus and with your Rose! It don’t get no gooder than that!!! 🙂 See ya one of these days.

  • Laurie Panter

    Blessings to the Schmidt family,
    Nate will be sorely missed. We loved him like a grandfather. We pray for you all at this time of loss. We can rest assured he is in the arms of his Lord and close to Rose.

  • Nate's brother Sid & Darleen

    Dear Children, Grandchildren, Greats and respective spouses,
    Love, commitment to the Lord and a zest for life encompassed Nathan. His love for his Lord and his church was always evident. His legacy will be lived out by each of you whom he and his dear wife, Rose, have nurtured. His last years were pleagued with many physical limitations, but now he is walking [and even dancing] in the streets in heaven–no restrictions at all.
    Darleen and I love each of you very much and we will pray for God’s peace and His comfort upon you during these days of adjustment without the Patriarch. Don’t disappoint the Lord, okay?
    We love you much, Sid & Darleen Schmidt [Nathan’s younger brother]

  • Crystal (Frisbee) Kitchin

    Schmidt Family,
    I was sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Nate, but he is up in Heaven spending time with Miss Rose once again :). I have went to church with Nate all of my life and he was such a blessing. Such an amazing testimony and someone to look up to. I always looked forward to his hugs and kiss on the cheek each Sunday. He is and will be deeply missed and loved.

    With Love and Prayers~

  • Gary Bettcher

    Dear Schmidt Family Cousins,
    We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father. We pray for you during this time of sorrow, but are comforted to know he is with the Lord.
    With love and prayers, Gary and Bobbie Bettcher