Jack Schmidt, 87

Jack Schmidt, 87, passed away June 17, 2021 at home. He was born in Eaton, Colo., March 16, 1934. When he was two years old, his family relocated to Hayden, Idaho, where he lived until his death.

Jack grew up in rural Hayden and enjoyed telling stories of the “good old days” roaming freely around town and in the fields and orchards with his pals. Jack saw many changes to Hayden during his lifetime. He attended Hayden Lake Elementary School and Coeur d’Alene High School.

Jack entered the Navy in 1952, serving in Philadelphia, Pa. Upon returning home, he married Lois Leighty on June 10, 1956, at the Hayden Lake Community Church. Jack had various jobs during this time to support their growing family, including Idaho Veneer, Kaiser Aluminum and Goodyear Tire. He eventually went to work for his dad at the Hayden Lake Feedstore on Hayden Ave., where Napa Auto Parts is located.

In 1967, Jack began a long career with the United States Postal Service, as a rural letter carrier, for the growing Hayden Post Office. His impeccable memory and friendliness toward his patrons made this a perfect choice. Jack remained at the Post Office until his retirement in 1994.

Jack accepted Jesus as his Savior early in his life. He faithfully attended Bethel Baptist Church, Candlelight Christian Fellowship, and most recently Hayden Bible Church. He served in the Awana Program for many years alongside Lois.

In retirement, Jack and Lois enjoyed participating in Silverlake Striders and Rambling Rovers, taking bus trips together to many nearby locations, as well as Phoenix and San Diego. He enjoyed gardening, watching sports and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Elsie Schmidt and beloved son Steve Schmidt. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lois Schmidt of Hayden; children: Lori Kobs, Lisa (Paul) Spears, Lynette (Mark) Woodworth; grandchildren: Stephanie (Brad) Toms, Joe (Samantha) Schmidt, Ian (Hannah) Spears, Lexi Spears, Andrew (Ashley) Woodworth, Aubrey Woodworth, and Alysse Woodworth; great-grandchildren: Hayden Toms and Emma Toms; three sisters, one brother, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 25, 2021 at Yates Funeral Home – Hayden Chapel (373 E. Hayden Ave. Hayden, Idaho 83835), a reception will follow directly after the service.

Please make any memorial contributions to the Union Gospel Mission, or Samaritan’s Purse. Special thanks to Crest Home Health and Hospice for their love and care during the final months.

Isaiah 40:31 – “but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements, please visit Jack’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com