ELKHART -- Michael Dale "Mike" Schmidt, 77, of Elkhart died at 3:12 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 21, 2009) in Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born April 24, 1931, to the late Michael A. and Harriet M. (Moore) Schmidt. He married Dorothy A. Olsen on May 13, 1966, in Elkhart.

She survives, along with one son, Steven (Pat) Schmidt of Constantine, Mich.; two daughters, Cynthia S. (Randy) Mann of White Pigeon and April (Chris) Peters of Shipshewana; three grandchildren, Branden (Sarah) Mann and Danielle and Maegan Schmidt; and three great-grandchildren, Andrew, Broc and Cerrae Schmidt.

Mike was preceded in death by his sisters, Edna Mae Stout and Helen Colegrassi; his brother, Howard Stout; and a granddaughter, Maranda Peters.

Mike worked for more than 37 years at Federal Paperboard in Elkhart. He was a member of the Jamestown United Methodist Church, an avid bowler and a Cubs fan. He had a love for animals and at Dorothy's Family Daycare (his wife's business) he was known as "Big Mike" to the children under their care.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. Wednesday funeral service at Jamestown United Methodist Church, 59218 C.R. 3, Elkhart. Pastor David Henry of the church will officiate. A meal will follow in the church. Burial then will take place in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart.

Memorials may be given to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 120 Wall St., 19th Floor, New York City, NY 10005. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.