Charles “Chuck” William Schmidt, a husband, father, distinguished Marine, and passionate motorcycle enthusiast rode off into the sunset for the final time on April 3, 2024, at the age of 86. With his two daughters, Kim and Karla by his side and the roar of engines in the distance, Chuck passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of courage, camaraderie, and the open road.
Born on August 31, 1937, in Beech Grove, Indiana, Chuck was the son of Charles and Mary Schmidt. From a young age, he demonstrated an unwavering spirit of adventure and a profound love for his country, which eventually led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps at age 17. Serving 25 years with honor and distinction, Chuck’s time in the Marines instilled in him values of loyalty, resilience, and brotherhood- principles that would guide him throughout his life.
After retirement from the Marine Corps, Chuck’s passion for freedom and the open road led him to his next great love – motorcycles. It wasn’t long before he became an avid rider, with a particular affinity for Harley-Davidson. Chuck’s dedication to the biking community was unparalleled. He was a member of the Blue Nights Motorcycle Club often encouraging others to join and ride.
Chuck is survived by his daughters: Kimberly Keenan (David Keenan) and Karla Schmidt (Robin Rogers); brother, Richard Robertson; sister, Dana Robertson Phillips; two granddaughters: Kourtney Eveland and Kendall Lakritz; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a vast network of brothers and sisters on two wheels. He was predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Roberta Iona Austin Schmidt.
Chuck’s thunderous laugh, endless stories, and unwavering support made him a pillar of the community and a mentor to many.
Chuck lived a life full of adventure, friendship, and love. His spirit will forever ride on in the hearts of those he touched, echoing with the rumble of a Harley on an open road. Dad, you will be deeply missed.
Chuck’s Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 10:00 am at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. Followed by a reception across the street at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center 975 South Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925 where Chuck will receive full military honors for his commitment and service to his country.
Everyone is invited to attend all aspects of the service. Weather permitting, Karla and Kim will take Chuck for his final motorcycle ride to the National Cemetery. Please wear your colors, motorcycle shirt, or military shirt and ride your bike in honor of the Marine.
A memorial ride in Chuck’s honor will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, what would have been his 87th birthday. Riders and friends are invited to join in celebrating his journey through life starting with breakfast at his favorite breakfast restaurant, Cracker Barrel, at 8:00 am to be followed by a short ride. More details to come. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to ALS.org.
Sam Harrelson
8 Apr 2024Rest easy Marine, your job is done!
I salute you.
Terry Crum
9 Apr 2024God bless you and your family, Marine. Rest easy, we got the watch.
Gary G Kimball
9 Apr 2024God bless you and your family Major Chuck. Thanks for the memories. Semper Fi.
Anonymous
10 Apr 2024We are so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace ❤️
Joan Strong
10 Apr 2024Kim, I am just seeing this now. So sorry you have lost your dad, your girls their grandfather and your sister her dad. This has been a hard year for you losing both your mom and dad not too far apart. At least they are up there together now. My sincere sympathy to all your family.
Steve Gaenzle
10 Apr 2024Dear Chuck…… Rest in Peace my brother, a life well lived! You will not be forgotten!
Karen Ulen
10 Apr 2024We know you’ll be watching out for us from Heaven just like you did in life! Semper Fi
Gw
10 Apr 2024Arms around family and friends. He would have loved the obituary
Karl wright
11 Apr 2024I will miss your company, I always enjoyed our visits.
Kevin Austin
11 Apr 2024Rest in Peace, Uncle Chuck…thank you for sharing your passions of Motorcycles, Armaments, and everything USMC with me. I’ll never forget the day you took me to the United States Naval Academy (or it MAY have been Marine Corps Base Quantico—I was about 16 years old). I watched the Marine Guards render a sharp salute to you and I felt so proud to be your nephew. That moment kindled a desire in me which led to my own military service.
Semper Fi you old Mustang
Bart Johnson
11 Apr 2024God keep you safe Marine. We crossed paths in Danang, but didn’t know each other then. I treasure the day I met you at Pikes Peak HD and our rides together. Semper Fi
Marna Hawley
11 Apr 2024It was so wonderful growing up close to Chuck in Beech Grove, Indiana, riding our Triumph motorcycles in 1954 and visiting his Uncle Verlie Trueblood in southern Indiana. I appreciated how Mary & Dick Robertson raised him until he went into the Marine Corps. They were a great family! Although I have not been able to be with Chuck for the last several years, I will really miss him. I prayed for him every day. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! God bless you!
Jim & Marna Hawley
Anonymous
12 Apr 2024Dearest Karla,
Amazing life story and a wonderful tribute to your dad. We know that he was not only your father, he was a dear friend.
We’ll be with you in spirit and you and yours will be in our hearts.
May He bless your family and keep you in His care during these oh so hard days.
With kindest regards,
John & Betty Olson
Steve Young
12 Apr 2024The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Mr. Schmidt’s 25 years of service to our country in the Marine Corps. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Mike Zirkle
15 Apr 2024Rest in Peace Brother, Marine, Mustang and friend I’m glad to have met and rode with you. I enjoyed our time together.
Ronald Ellis
16 Apr 2024Our sincere condolences to the families involved in this loss. Chuck you will always be remembered by Katy and I. From the time you and Katy climbed the cliffs to the mother golf course and later escorted off for trying to take a little home to the time that you coined me. Quite an honor for an old sailor. You will remain in our hearts forever. I hope after the regroup you will be standing guard at the heavenly gates as we pass through. Till we meet again old friend. Semper Fi. With utmost respect Ron and Katy Ellis.
Eddie D. Helton, LTC, USA (R).
17 Apr 2024Chuck:. One of the truly greatest warriors I have ever met and will never be forgotten. I admired you and considered it among my highest honors to know and serve you, My Very Best Friend. May Godspeed. Semper Fi. Your loving brothers and sisters; Ed and Nancy, Jon and Margaret, Tim and Merri. Laura and Andy, Matt and Anna.
The Helton’s.
Don Gardner
17 Apr 2024Rest in peace Marine! You lived life to its fullest and you always inspired me to walk through walls! Thank you for that Chuck. You and your family have been a model for me over the years. Like our fellow Marine, Jim Wiese would say; “Bye for now, my friend.”