Steven Charles Schmidt

Steven Charles Schmidt took his time to enter this world, 2 weeks late, on October 10, 1972. He was born to Pamela and Charles in Rapid City, South Dakota. He spent his earliest years on the family farm in Madison, MN and though the boy left the farm later, the farm never left the boy. He loved plants and growing things and dreamed of one day having a farm of his own (which later came true).

Steve was a cute, happy baby with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a sly little smile. Later in life friends would always laugh about his ability to slip naughty jokes into regular conversation and his incredible wit and sense of humor were legendary. 

Steve was joined by his sister, Susan, in 1974, and while he teased her in the relentless way only a big brother can, he was always there whenever she needed him. 

When his parents divorced and the family moved to Kentucky, Steve began a new chapter in his life. Along the way, while attending primary school in Versailles and middle and high school in Jessamine County he made lifelong friends: Walker Terhune, Johnathon Williams, David Royse, Mark and Velvet Henkle, Tracy Barber, Robbie Parr and Brandy Baird. His commitment to his friends was complete and unwavering, with many telling his family that he was always there any time they asked whether to move a table, attend a concert or meet up for a meal. His group of Board Game buddies brought hours of fun and laughter to his later years and he loved to share a gin & tonic and a night of stories with Peter Higgs and Lee Griesheimer. 

Steve’s mother, Pamela, married Bob Atwell in 1985 and at that time he gained stepsiblings Faith, Bobbie Gail, and Eric. Bob led Steve into the fire sprinkler business when he was a young teenager. Bob taught Steve the trade, how to run a fair and ethical business, and how to treat employees well. 

On December 31, 2004, Steve started dating his wife Maren and by December 31, 2005, they were married. With this marriage he gained a daughter in love, Abigale McGimsey. He promised her in a special part of the wedding that he would always be her dad, and he never once broke his promise. 

Over the years, Steve helped build Central Kentucky Sprinkler into a successful, well regarded business. He loved his work and helping his employees build solid careers. 

But, according to Steve, his best achievement and the thing of which he was most proud was his family. His beloved Abbie was joined by Palmer in October 2006, and Carter in July

2009. He loved his wife and children irrationally and completely and they adored him. As far as he was concerned, there were no better children on the planet and everything they did, from their first breath to playing t-ball or horseback riding or academic team was absolutely the best any child had ever done. 

In September of 2021, Abbie married Daniel Browning, and he gained a son-in-law who he loved and respected. In May of 2024, they gave him his pride and joy, Sohpia Adele Browning. He was her beloved Papa and would have stolen her from her parents if her dadwasn’t a police officer!

On November 7, after a brief and sudden illness, Steve left us too early. In a final wave to his family, as his spirit left his body, the fire alarm in the hospital suddenly rang out.

Steve will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was deeply kind and generous, incredibly smart, funny and gentle. To his family he was “Big Strong Steve,” our rock, our shelter in the storm, and the one who made us better than we could have been alone. 

Steven is survived by his wife Maren, Abbie (Daniel), Palmer, Carter and little Sophia. His mother and stepfather, Bob and Pamela Atwell, sister Susan (Heath) Hamblen, half brothers Jonathan and Adam Trdan-Schmidt, his favorite Aunt Trudi Amundson, and a host of nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and in-laws. 

We invite anyone who knew Steve to his memorial service at Nicholasville Methodist Church on November 16, 2024. Visiting hours will be from 2-4 at the Church, with services to immediately follow. 

In lieu of flowers we request donations to BSA Troop 473 where he was Scoutmaster (mail checks to BSA 473 c/o Nicholasville Methodist Church, 303 West Maple Street, Nicholasville, KY 40356) or Circle of Hope International, https://cohcommunity.org/donate