Robert F. Schmidt

Robert F. (Bob) Schmidt, 67, Rockford, passed away January 12, 2008 in Springwood Nursing Home. Born February 24, 1940 in Chicago to Franklin and Charlotte (Bednarczyk) Schmidt. He graduated from St. Bartholomew Elementary School, Weber Catholic School for Boys, Chicago and Marquette University with a degree in journalism. He served as editor for World News of the Week, North American Curling News,Publications International and was the first editor of In Fisherman Magazine. He was contributing editor for many outdoor magazines and authored the Fishing Guidebook for Boy Scouts of America, Great Fishing Close to Chicago, Sport Fishing and Aquatic Resources Handbook and study manuals for Salmonid Institute and National Bass Institute. He also co-authored with his wife, Great Lakes Circle Tour :Reliving History Along Lake Michigans Circle Tour Route and Great Lakes Camping. Bob was past president and newsletter editor of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and received the Golden Glow Excellence-in-Craft Award. He was recently inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Communicator. He is survived by his wife, Ginger, Rockford; children, Michael, Robert, Jr., David and Kathleen and seven grandchildren, Texas. The family expresses its gratitude for the loving care given Bob by the staff of Springwood Nursing Home and OSF St. Anthony Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2008 in First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the family for OSF St. Anthony Hospice. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.