Stephen Schmidt Sr. Obituary

Stephen Thomas Schmidt Sr., born on December 26, 1944, in Covington, Kentucky, passed away on July 7, 2025, in Edgewood, Kentucky. He was a tough, kind, and selfless man . He always put everyone else's needs above his own. If you needed a helping hand fixing something he was there to help. He touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Stephen was not just a loving father, grandfather, or uncle but also a friend to many and a cherished member of his community.

Stephen spent a significant part of his life working at Automotive Enterprises, where his skill and passion for vehicle repair, and customization flourished. He was renowned for his talent in restoring all types vehicles, new and old . He was considered a craftsman among his peers. His favorite vehicles were always Fords. He had several vehicles that he owned in his lifetime including a Corvair sports car, Ford Ranchero, Grand Torino, Mercury Sable, Volkswagen Bug, and many Ford Trucks . He was certainly a "FORD" man.

Stephen found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Family cookouts were a highlight for him, with grilling and spending quality time with loved ones ranking among his proudest moments. He also enjoyed camping with family, playing euchre, bowling, and singing karaoke of his favorite musicians Roy Orbison and Neil Diamond. His favorite TV shows were  The Andy Griffith Show, Family Feud, Mash, and Old Cowboy Westerns, and he loyally cheered for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.

His greatest accomplishments were found in the tender roles of being a loyal and caring husband, father and grandfather. His wife Helen Sue Schmidt was the love of his lifetime. He never loved anyone else like her. He never remarried after her death at an early age of 41 from cancer. He raised, loved, and watched over his beloved sons, Joshua Schmidt and Stephen Schmidt Jr. (Leah), as well as his cherished grandchildren: Colby Ethan Schmidt, Chloe Leah Sue Schmidt, Trent Danger Schmidt.  He is also survived by his loving sister Rosalie McDavid. Stephen’s legacy of love and affection will endure through them, forever reminding us of his caring nature and the joy he found in family.

Stephen is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Sue Schmidt; his father, Bernard Schmidt; his mother, Rosemary Schmidt; his brothers, Bernard Schmidt Jr., James Schmidt, and Daniel Schmidt; and his sister, Lynne Noll. Their memories and the bonds they shared remain alive in the hearts of all who loved him.

Join his family and friends on July 18, 2025, at St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church in Erlanger, Kentucky, for a visitation beginning at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass at 10:00 AM, as they celebrate the life of Stephen Thomas Schmidt—a truly remarkable man whose love knew no bounds.