Herman Otto “Mike” Schmucker Jr.
1933 – 2023
Herman Otto “Mike” Schmucker Jr., 89, of Centerville, UT passed away peacefully the evening of September 15, 2023.
Born to Herman Otto Schmucker Sr. and Annie Patricia Davison Schmucker in Corona, NY on October 9, 1933, he was the oldest of six children. Mike, a nickname lovingly given to him by his mother, graduated from Islip High School in 1951. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and achieved the rank of staff sergeant. Introduced by his fellow airman buddy, Mike met Norma Lou Funk when he was 21. Two weeks after meeting he convinced her to marry him. After being honorably discharged in 1957 Mike moved his growing family back to Islip, NY. Twelve years later he and Norma brought the family to Ogden, UT where he attended Weber State University working towards a Bachelor Degree and began a career at HAFB. Thirteen years later Mike made the move back to New York to take over the reins of the family business, Orowoc. He later moved Orowoc and his family to Georgia where he remained, caring for his wife Norma, until her passing in 2011. Mike then made one final move to Centerville, Utah where he spent the rest of his days. Mike was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; over the years he devoted much of his time to service of his brother and sister members through many different callings.
Mike was lucky enough to find love twice. He and Norma raised seven children. and bettered their communities for 55 years through service and activity in the Lions Club, Tax Pac, Highway Clean up efforts, Scouting, and religious callings.
After the passing of Norma, Mike was blessed to find love and companionship with his second wife Susie Fay Bardwell of Corinth, Mississippi until her passing.
Mike was best known for his motto of “keep smiling”; He never failed to carry a smile throughout his life. He was quiet in his strength and gentle in his demeanor. He found so much joy in the simplicity of life and the love of those around him; Mike would oftentimes stand outside waving as family and friends would leave, waiting until they were out of sight. Mike was frequently found in the service of those around him.; Mike’s love for others permeated his life. He was looked upon as a grandfather to more than just his grandchildren. He was a voracious learner, always reading something to expand his knowledge. He found peace in nature, often enjoying hunting, fishing, camping with his family, or even just staring up at the clouds in the sky; he rarely missed a beautiful sunset. Mike was always ready with a warm smile or hug; his hugs and kindnesses will be the legacy he leaves upon this earth.
Mike is preceded in death by his first wife Norma, second wife Susie, brother Bill, parents, and grandparents. He is survived by three brothers, Bob, Jim, Joe; his sister Pat; seven children, Ron (Lorraine), Bethany (Clarence), Mike (LuAnn), Mary, Rick (Lori), Andrew (Jan), Daniel (Hawa); three step-children David, Kaye (Jerry), Ray; 24 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.
His family would like to extend thanks to Legacy House of Park Lane and Inspire Hospice for their care; and a special note of thanks to Kimberlee Newman-Campbell who provided exceptional care for Mike during his final year.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 28th, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Canyon View Ward, 210 E. 1825 N., Centerville, UT. Friends may visit with the family that day from 10:00 am to 10:45 am, in the chapel prior to the service.
Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook and this obituary page.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Centerville Police Department K-9 unit as a tribute to Mike’s lifelong generosity and service. Special note, the K-9 unit provided service to Mike during the home invasion last year. https://www.gofundme.com/f/centerville-city-police-k9-unit?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer or the Center of Hope Food Pantry https://www.ladiesofcharitynorthernutah.org/