Paul Robert Schmidt, age 88, passed away March 20, 2021, at Castleview Hospital in Price. He was born June 12, 1932, in Columbus, Ohio, to John William and Bertha Price Schmidt Simonson and was married to Alice Podbevsek Schmidt for over 56 years prior to her passing in 2011.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Paul called Utah his home since relocating with his mother as a young man. It was there that he met the love of his life, Alice (Scofield, UT). Paul was a Korean War Veteran who served as a U.S. Army communications lineman. At one point during the war, Paul was able to meet with his brother (Julius, aka Ed) who was also serving on the Korean Peninsula at the time and who was a prisoner-of-war during World War II. The Korean War profoundly affected Paul’s outlook on life, as decades later he repeatedly told his children highly detailed stories of near-death incidents either witnessed or experienced firsthand. It was during his service to our nation that he lost his hearing during an explosive ordinance incident.
After returning from the Korean War, Paul married Alice Podbevsek on October 9, 1954. Together, they purchased farmland near Price, Utah, and settled to raise a family. In addition to farming the land, they raised pigs and cattle for many years on an austere budget of only $25/week for groceries. In order to provide for his family, Paul sought out other employment, and, with the help of his best friend, Mr. Dick Jones, Paul was able to get a job at the Hiawatha coal mine. In 1976, Paul required heart bypass surgery and had to sell part of his farm to pay the expenses. After decades of farming, hard work in the mine in which Paul gained experience in many positions (fire-boss, truck driver, etc.), and raising three children, Paul and Alice retired in 1989.
During his retirement, Paul enjoyed finishing farm projects he never had time or the money to complete while working and raising a family, especially if they involved driving his favorite piece of equipment, his Bobcat. Paul was also a voracious reader, particularly when it came to the Wall Street Journal. Paul also enjoyed bowling with his wife Alice as one of their favorite retirement passions. They made numerous friends and acquaintances during their nights out bowling and brought home many colorful trophies and stories. Together, they passed along invaluable life lessons to their children, not the least of which included financial responsibility (living within your means) and neighborly friendship. Paul’s sharp wit, humor, and wisdom will be missed by all who knew him. He and Alice would say Que Sera, Sera (whatever will be will be—the future’s not ours to see).
Paul is survived by his brother, Edward Julius (West Virginia); three children, Andy D. Schmidt, Price, UT, Alan R. Schmidt (Starr), Colorado Springs, CO, and Amy L. Peters (Jeff) of Price, Utah; grandchildren, Bryce Schmidt, Alex Schmidt, Jeffery Peters, Catherine Westers; and great-grandchildren, Cadence, Lukas, Evie, Nikolas and Adam.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Alice Schmidt, three sisters and two brothers, Delores, Jack, Isa, Frank and Mary Ann.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 25 2021, 11:00 a.m. Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.