Dave, or David, as he was called by much of his extended family, was born in Williston, North Dakota to William and Estella Schmidt as the second-youngest of their 12 children. He was raised on the family farm where he learned the values of hard work, self-sufficiency, independence, and he also learned how to fix just about everything. Even at a young age music was an important part of Dave's life. While in high school he was a part of a rock band called "The Setting Sons", being their lead singer and guitar player. They played at numerous town dances and events in western North Dakota. Later in his life he was a favorite to sing at weddings and funerals, too numerous to count. He graduated from high school in Tioga, North Dakota in 1968. He then joined the US Navy in 1969 where he rose to the rank of E5. He served during Vietnam conflict on the USS Ranger aircraft carrier in the engine room. He was honorably discharged 1973 in San Francisco, California. Dave was very proud of his service in the military. It was during that time that he also became a Christian. Dave started his college career in San Jose, California, where he met his wife Kris at a Presbyterian church. They were married on May 20, 1977, and soon after they moved to Corvallis, OR, where he completed a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Education from Oregon State University. After college, Dave and Kris moved to Nampa, Idaho where he began his first high school teaching position. During this time in Idaho, their two children, Heather and Jonathan were born. They were a delight to his life and treasured beyond all things. While teaching high school, Dave continued his education and completed 2 Masters degrees. The first from the University of Idaho in Agricultural Education. The second from Cole Center for Biblical Studies, in Biblical Studies. After relocating to Washington in 1992, Dave took a teaching position at WF West Hich School where he remained for 23 years until his retirement in 2015. Dave taught many subjects, including shop, welding, forestry, and natural resources. He served as his chapter's FFA advisor as well. He also pastored part-time at various local churches throughout his teaching career. Dave retired in 2015 where he pursued multiple hobbies, including singing, playing guitar, and restoring classic cars. Dave and Kris enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the United States, as well as multiple humanitarian trips overseas. They had many adventures together that he was always happy to recount. Dave is preceded in death by his parents William and Estella, his older brothers Delbert, Donald, LeRoy, and sisters Helen and Diana; as well as nieces and nephews. Dave is survived by his wife Kris, his children, Heather and Jonathan, and the sheer delight of his life, granddaughter, Evie. Also treasured, his brothers Harold (Ione), Richard (Linda), Raymond (Lil), Kenneth (Mary) and sisters Lorna and Linda. In lieu of flowers if you would like, we ask that you donate to Samaritan's Purse International Relief.