Karl “Walt” Walter Schmidt died on September 11, 2024. Walt was born on March 18,1937 to Karl Otto and Marie Antonette Kelfkens Schmidt in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the fourth child of six: Henry, Carol, Ruby, Robert “Bob” and Joyce.

He attended South High School; he graduated in 1955. Attended University of Utah. He also has an honorary degree from the “School of Hard Knocks.”

Walt proudly served as a member of the United States Army Reserves for 11 years and 6 months. He was in Field Artillery Unit 105 and the Honest John Missile Unit. His basic training was at Fort Ord in California, he actively served at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas and Fort Hood in Washington. He finished his military duty at Fort Douglas in Utah. This service came at great sacrifice, leaving his new wife and new business behind for extended periods of time, but he was proud of his ability to serve our country.

Walt was married to Barbara Joy Brown on September 16, 1958, later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They started a family and had five children: Tina Marie (deceased March 17,1961), Joy Lynne Tholen (Dwight), Lisa Ann Schmidt, Cynthia “Cindy” Marie Nielsen (Andrew), and Karl James Schmidt (Tanya). He has 10 grandchildren: James, Celeste, Megan, Ashley, Staci, Hailey, Rebekah, Rachel, Reggie, and Devin: two great-grandchildren and two more on the way.

Walt and Barbara started Schmidt Sign Ad in 1958 using a tent in their back yard on Lucy Avenue. In 1962 they took over and combined businesses with his father’s business Schmidt Signs after his father’s health declined. They continued to work and manage that business until 2021, when they sold the property. Through business Walt met many people and created lifelong friends.

As a boy, Walt loved to go fishing and camping in Yellowstone with his family. As an adult he added hunting to his repertoire, and he continued this tradition with his own family as well as people he met through his working years. Walt loved the outdoors.

Walt was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Scout Master for the young men of the Canyon Rim 3rd and Olympus 20th Wards. He loved this calling, sharing his love of the outdoors with those who chose to participate. As adults many of these young men would stop by the shop to say “hello.” He also served as a Ward & Stake Missionary. After he retired, he served as a Missionary at Welfare Square helping people find employment. He loved his church callings and performed them with great enthusiasm.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 20, 2024, at Noon, with a viewing at 10:00 to 11:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 2675 East 4500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Internment at the Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.

The zoom link for the funeral will be https://zoom.us/j/91985547360