David Ralph Schmidt, age 76, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on

Sunday, February 26, 2023. He was born August 31, 1946, in Grand Rapids, to the late Ralph

and Margaret (Waltz) Schmidt. He graduated from Coopersville High School with the class of

1964. Dave married the love of his life, Rudite Bandenieks on February 3, 1967.

 

Dave worked many years as a machinist for Fogg Filler in Holland, which gave him the

opportunity to travel the world throughout his time of employment. Prior to that he spent many

years working on the family dairy farm. He was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, enjoyed

fishing, hunting, bowling and in his later years was an avid disc golf player. More than anything,

Dave was a people person and had many friends everywhere he went.

 

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Rudi; son, Eric Bandenex; daughter, Heather Atkins;

grandsons, Alexander, Julian, and Hayden Atkins; two siblings; and many other relatives and

friends.

 

A memorial service is being planned for a later date and details will be announced as soon as

they become available. Per Dave’s wishes cremation has taken place.

 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Visiting Nurses of Spectrum Health

(Corewell) and Lemmen-Holton Cancer Center for their care and kindness.

 

In lieu of flowers, Dave would have requested that memorials be given for cancer research to the

Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion.

 

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Dave’s online guest book, or to share a

favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

 

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids,

616-452-3006.