Bennet Schmidt
Elsah |
It is with great sorrow that the family of Bennet Christopher Schmidt announces his passing on June 10, 2024. Ben’s life was one of service to others, characterized by genuine kindness, acceptance, and joy in the simple things. Born in the historic village of Elsah, Illinois, on February 14, 1961, Ben spent much of his childhood exploring with his two older siblings the woods and bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, as well as Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches. His love of nature, earth, sky, and all living things never left him. Ben’s parents, the late Mary Elizabeth Loraine Schmidt of London, England, and James Kirbye Schmidt of Chicago, Illinois, fostered in Ben from an early age a deep appreciation for the fine arts and the written word, eclipsed only, perhaps, by his passion for horses. A graduate of Principia College (BA) and Washington University (MA), Ben spent the early part of his career writing for periodicals, and later taught school in St. Louis. He was a keen equestrian, and practiced dressage with his beloved bay Brigalow whenever he could. He helped his aunt Joan Loraine tend Greencombe Gardens in England, volunteered at 5A’s in Alton, and mucked horse stalls at Beverly Farms in Godfrey. Ben never ceased learning, giving, sharing, and laughing. He touched countless lives, and is deeply loved in return by many, including his daughter, Hannah P. Schmidt of St. Louis; sister, Penelope L. Schmidt of Alton; brother, Robert K. Schmidt of Porlock, England; and former spouse and friend, Sarah Ware, of Alton; and much-loved cousins. Lauren Robinson, Julie Edwards, Denny Scarborough, and Autumn Brown provided Ben with selfless care and endless support over the past years, and Ben’s family is deeply grateful. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home
