Dard Herbert Schmidt, age 88, of Byron Center, MI, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on April 23, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri, Dard was the son of Herbert Theodore Schmidt and Marcella Hannon Schmidt, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie Ann Hawkins Schmidt, who passed away on July 10, 2024.

Dard and Marjorie were married on April 26, 1958, sharing 66 years of marriage filled with love, faith, and family.

He graduated from Normandy High School in St. Louis, MO, in 1955 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. In 1970, he moved to Springfield, IL, to begin his career with Horace Mann Insurance, where he worked for 31 years and retired in 2002 as Vice President, Planning and Administrative Support.

Dard and Marjorie made their home in Springfield, IL, where they raised their family and were devoted members of Laurel United Methodist Church for 48 years. In 2018, they relocated to Byron Center, MI, to be closer to family. After moving, they became members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, MI, where they made many good friends who welcomed them warmly.

Dard is survived by his children, Staci Schmidt Zuspann (David Zuspann) of Caledonia, MI, and Grant Edward Schmidt (Margaret) of Boulder, Colorado.

He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Ashley (Joey) Salamone; Michael (Sarah) Zuspann; Jack Zuspann; and Colter, Hadley, Christopher, and Hazel Schmidt.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Olivia, Bennett, and Camden Salamone; Noah, Willow, and Madeline Zuspann; and Courtland, son of Hadley Schmidt.

Dard is also survived by his sisters, Jeanene Schmidt Mascia of Webster Groves, MO, and Denise Schmidt Breeden of Ballwin, MO.

In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, volunteering, working in his yard, and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the University of Illinois basketball and football teams, rarely missing a game on TV.

Dard will be remembered for his family values, attention to detail, love of history, and love of telling stories.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with a visitation prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m., and a luncheon to follow at the church.

In honor of Dard’s love of sports, guests are invited—if they wish—to wear Fighting Illini orange or St. Louis Cardinals red, whether it be a shirt, hat, or any small touch. This is entirely optional, but a fun way to celebrate the teams he loved.

Dard will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Marjorie, in St. Louis, MO.