05/31/2026
Karl Edward Schmidt, 86, was called to our heavenly home on May 28, 2026. Karl spent his life caring unwaveringly for those he loved, steadfast in his devotion to his five children, 13 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, with a sixth on the way. Karl, or Popi, as he was known to many, was the first of seven children, born on August 21, 1939 in Chicago to Russell and Vera (Roberts) Schmidt. His family moved to Addison and attended Holy Ghost Church in Wood Dale, where he met the love of his life, Itasca native Frances “Fran” Brogan. They got married June 17, 1961 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Itasca, where he remained a member for the rest of his life.
After graduating from St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University) with a degree in chemistry, he worked as a chemist at multiple companies. He started as a food chemist but ultimately found his passion in the paint industry. For his storied career, he received a 60-year award from the Chicago Society for Coatings Technology for his dedication to the paint industry. Paint formulas that he developed are still in use today, including Benjamin Moore’s MAXUM®2. From 1962 to 1964, Karl served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Arlington Heights.
Karl grew up playing baseball, football and hopscotch in his backyard and continued to love sports for the rest of his life, especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs, the latter of which he watched daily. He was also an avid bowler, with a high score of 279, and loved to walk around his neighborhood every day.
He traveled around the world, including the United States, Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. He also enjoyed many camping trips with his sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews.
Karl and Fran were known as Popi and Mimi to their large family. Not only was Karl a father to his five children, but he also served as a father figure to many, including his siblings, in-laws, and grandchildren. He religiously marked every single one of his grandchildren’s events on his calendar, from weddings and graduations to concerts, musicals, and sports games. It made them smile to see the proud look on his face from his seat in the crowd. He was a wealth of stories and the life of the party at every family wedding. His love of dancing is remembered fondly by all.
In addition to his family, faith was the other cornerstone of Karl’s identity. He was devout in his Catholic faith, attending mass daily in the final years of his life. He played a critical role in the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree (Patriotic Degree). He also served his community in the Lions Club, which awarded him the Melvin Jones Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he served as an Itasca Village Trustee. Finally, in May 2023, he was recognized with an Honor Flight because of his military service.
Karl’s children include Doug (Chris) Schmidt, Rusty (Sherry) Schmidt, Danny (Cindy) Schmidt, Linda (Robert) DeLoach, and Carrie (Chuck) Berkich. His grandchildren include Matt (Maggie), Shawn, Sarah (Josh), Spencer, Melissa, Bradley (Fernanda), Rose, Nathan (Amanda), Kaitlyn (Tyler), Diana, Chad, Chloe and Emily (Dale). His great-grandchildren include Devin, Julian, Lorelai, Frankie, and Idris. His living siblings and siblings-in-law include Jack (Fran) Schmidt, Petta (Paul) Yoder, Barb (Howie) Owens, Pat (Dick) Olinger, Colleen McEvoy, Rick (Kim) Brogan, and Craig Duncan. His lady friend Erma Sipko was a source of light in his life. His son-in-law Robert was his main caretaker for the last years of his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Fran, his sister Mary Ann, his siblings-in-law Debrah Meyer, Dennis (Joyce) Brogan, Carrie Brogan, and Marian Geisler, his mother-in-law Rose Brogan, and his grandson Brian Schmidt.
Visitation Wednesday, June 3rd, 3:00 - 8:00 PM and Thursday, June 4th, 8:30 AM until time of funeral, 9:30 AM at The Oaks Funeral Home 1201 E. Irving Park Road (at Prospect), Itasca to St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Mass 10:00 AM. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.
Because Karl was such a devoted Chicago Cubs fan, the family requests attendees wear Cubs shirts/jerseys to the visitation. Casual or business‑casual attire is requested for the funeral (no suits, please).
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karl’s honor may be made to Shriners Children's (shrinerschildren.org), the Itasca Lions Club (itascalionsclub.org), or St. Jude’s
