REDDING, Calif. — Lew Frank Schmitt, 74, passed away on Dec. 8, 2021, in Redding, California. He was the son of Louis and Joyce Schmitt.

Lew graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1965. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa in 1968 where he met his wife, Nancy Carlsen. They had two children, Cindy and Matthew.

Lew enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967. He served on the aircraft carrier USS Constellation out of San Diego, California. During his years in the Navy he received the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal with two bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal with one bronze star, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon with two bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, Battle Efficiency Award Ribbon with two silver “E”s and Navy Expeditionary Medal.  He retired from the Navy as Lt. Commander in 1990.

The family moved to Redding, California where he was an instructor at Shasta College teaching computer classes and Microsoft Certification classes. He retired from Shasta College in 2020 after 30 years.

Lew was very supportive of his family. He was his son’s Webelos leader and assistant scout master and a Boy Scout merit badge counselor. He also coached AYSO soccer. He supported his wife Nancy when she was directing the Carillons Handbell Choir by being the group’s roadie and webmaster.

Survivors include his wife Nancy; daughter Cindy (Joe) Ksiazek of California and son Matthew (Shay) Schmitt of Arizona. Four grandchildren, Jordan (Suvannah) Ksiazek, Jenna Ksiazek (Tyler Ferro), Jacob Ksiazek and Mason Schmitt. Three great-grandchildren Elijah and Everleigh Ferro Ksiazek and Connor Ksiazek. Also surviving is his sister, Cheri McGee of Rochelle, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13 at St. James Lutheran Church, 2500 Shasta View Dr. at 10:30 a.m. following by Honors Ceremony at Redding Veterans Cemetery in Igo, California at 12:30 p.m.  Memorials may be made to Shasta College Foundation, Shasta College, 11555 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, CA, 96003