William J. Schmidt, age 97, of Douglas, Michigan, died early Monday, November 21, 2011 at Golden Orchards Assisted Living, in Fennville, Michigan. Born December 13, 1913 in Evergreen Park, Illinois near Chicago, he was the son of Louis and Magdalena (VanBergen) Schmidt. Bill married his sweet heart of 76 years, Elizabeth Newsam on October 11, 1935. He was a retired welder and engineer; they moved to Douglas eleven years ago. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Schmidt; sons Jack (Betty) Schmidt of Douglas; Keith(Belinda) Schmidt of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Marilyn Elliott, and one grandson. Bill and Betty have been active in the Masonic Lodge for over sixty years. He was a Past Master of the Saugatuck Masonic Lodge, twice a Past Master of the Homewood, Illinois Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Shriners and Scottish Rite. Masonic Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 25, 2011 at the Chappell Funeral Home, 637 W. Main St. Fennville, Michigan. Interment will be in the Douglas Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Holland 270 Hoover Blvd Holland, Michigan 49423. An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com