Leland J. Schmidt Sr., 84, Accomplished musician and jazz pianist, WWII Veteran
Leland J. Schmidt, Sr., 84, of Avon Lake passed away Thursday, February 6, 2003 at the Rae-Ann Suburban Nursing Home, Westlake. He was born February 24, 1918 in Cleveland where he graduated from Rhodes High School, Cleveland and moved to Avon Lake in 1960.Mr. Schmidt served stateside in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Schmidt was an accomplished musician and jazz pianist performing in the Cleveland area from the 1930's through the 1960's. He was also employed as a bookkeeper. Leland was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Sheffield Lake where he volunteered doing phone evangelism for the church.
Mr. Schmidt is survived by two sons, Leland Jr. (Mary Ellen) and Frederick, both of Avon Lake; two grandchildren, Matthew L. of Lagrange and Amanda E. Schmidt of Bay Village; and a sister, Lenore Beckstrom (Rev. Robert) of Seattle, Washington. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose B. (nee Schultz) (d.1989); a granddaughter, Rebecca Schmidt (d. 1977); a brother, Norman Schmidt (d. 1973) and his parents, Frederick C. and Martha L. (nee Kolke) Schmidt.
A memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 4792 Oster Rd., Sheffield Lake, on Thursday, February 13, at 7:00 pm. Rev. Gary Georgi, pastor, will officiate. Cremation by Busch Crematory. Memorials may be forwarded to Hope Lutheran Church, 4792 Oster Rd., Sheffield Lake, OH, 44054. Arrangements were handled by the Busch-Burmeister Family Chapel, 163 Avon-Belden Rd., Avon Lake.