Dustin Schmid

There was much to love about Dustin Schmid. Perhaps it was the way he always tried to bring those he loved together, or the way in which he led with competent resilience. In all ways, Dustin was a loving and thoughtful man who held his family in the highest regard. He had a great sense of humor, and he was a big kid at heart who will be deeply missed and remembered in the hearts of all.

By 1990, the advancement of technology was moving along at a rapid pace even as the U.S. entered into yet another recession. Operation Desert Shield was officially launched as U.S. troops entered Kuwait while East and West Germany reunited following years of repression. Despite these changing times, Mark and Margaret “Peggy” (Sutherlin) Schmid were happy to announce the birth of their son, Dustin Henry Schmid on August 20, 1990. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Schmid family made their home on Rogers Street NW. The fourth of eventually nine children, Dustin had an older brother, Shawn who sadly passed away as an infant. His older siblings, Mark and Amanda later welcomed Dustin nearly ten years later, and eventually he was joined by younger siblings, Chad, Brandon, Brad, Helen, and Hanna.

Since his earliest years, Dustin loved sports. He spent a great deal of time as a youngster playing football and kickball in the front yard with family and neighborhood friends. He also played on little leagues and served as goalie on the soccer field. From a young age Dustin’s leadership skills were evident as he often had no problem telling others what to do, how to do it, and where to go. When it came to his older siblings, he wasn’t afraid to tell them, either, but they never backed down as easy. Sometimes they even used Dustin as their “tester” for tasty concoctions they made in the kitchen! Although his leadership qualities were a good sign, they at times included his stubborn and opinionated nature. Even so, Dustin was always fun to be around. With such a large family, he learned the value of a good sense of humor.

Dustin attended Fairview Elementary School and although somewhat reserved, he was a good student and enjoyed the friendships of many. During his youth he was into video games such as Madden and Pokemon. He collected a variety of gaming cards including Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic, and it was always a great time when he went to Target with his dad on special occasions to add to his collection. Dustin greatly admired his father and longed to follow his example. He worked for his dad in his house rental business, and at home, Dustin was first to offer help. He liked helping his mother in the kitchen, but cleaning up was never his strength.

While attending Kenowa Hills High School, Dustin wanted to play football, but his mother was concerned for his safety. However, when Dustin got a job and his car, he decided to make the final decision, and in his senior year, he played football for Kenowa Hills. It was also during his senior year when Dustin began working at Meijer as a utility worker and where he played a role in getting his brothers a foot in the door there, too. As fate would have it, a young woman named Erica Armitage began working at Meijer the very same day Dustin did. They later learned they shared the same birthday, and were born in the same hospital about an hour apart.

Even though Dustin and Erica shared much in common, she was not too impressed with his overly confident nature. Once she got to know him, though, she soon realized her first impression of Dustin was not so. After refusing the first few times he asked her out, Dustin’s persistence paid off when she finally agreed. On their first date they enjoyed a night of bowling and dinner at Steak-n-Shake. Dustin was always quite competitive, and Erica beat him at bowling which is perhaps the reason why he never kissed her on that first date!

Dustin was competitive about everything: from games to baking contests to sports. His love for sports continued and he came to share his passion with Erica. They enjoyed playing softball and for the next seven years they played on several leagues together. Dustin often played the short stop or left fielder, and even though he could hit, he tried getting to more bases than his legs allowed. Dustin loved playing board games like Monopoly and cards, too.

After dating for a time, Dustin and Erica eventually moved in with her parents where they welcomed their oldest daughter, Vanessa into their lives. On October 5, 2012 they were married in Hudsonville and honeymooned up north in Mt. Pleasant. Beginning their new lives together as husband and wife, Erica knew it was often Dustin's way or the highway, and she usually followed his lead. A short time after they were married they moved into a home of their own where in time they welcomed two more children with the births of DJ and Peyton.

As a father, Dustin came to learn the value of responsibility quickly and took his role seriously. Just a big kid himself, he loved playing with the kids, and loved buying them toys that he liked as much as they did. Dustin enjoyed camping at Hoffmaster State Park and especially loved the beach there. More recently, he loved taking his family and friends on his boat. They often went boating on Wabasis Lake where Dustin took it as a challenge to throw off as many tube riders as he could.

Dustin was an avid Detroit Lions fan and recently became a Detroit Tigers fan, attending a game each summer. He loved his meat lover’s pizza, a good, hearty steak, and KFC. On Friday evenings, he and Erica both loved treating themselves to Chinese food. Quite skillful when it came to computers, Dustin took a class and went on to help his dad build a computer.

Taken much too soon, there was so much to know and love about Dustin. More than anything, he loved sharing the company of his family who meant so much to him. He often encouraged his family to get together, and he loved creating new family traditions, such as their family’s white elephant gift exchange. Dustin especially relished the holidays when his entire family gathered together. For those who knew him best, Dustin’s leadership and love will be deeply missed. He was a caring and loving husband, father, son, and brother whose unending commitment, love and affection can never be replaced.

Dustin Henry Schmid, age 25 of Grand Rapids, passed away October 30, 2015 of accidental injuries. He is survived by his wife, Erica; their children, Vanessa, DJ and Peyton; his parents, Mark and Peggy Schmid; in-laws, Rick and Sheila Armitage; brothers and sisters, Mark (Kelly) Schmid, Amanda (Rich) Callender, Chad Schmid (fiancée Naomi Pluger), Brandon, Brad, Helen and Hanna Schmid; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Chasity Armitage, Rick (Jessica) McQuillin, Lisa (Jeff) Lago, Amanda (Andrew) Teesdale; grandparents, Henry Schmid and Bonnie Slabbekoorn; and many nieces, nephews and friends. The service to remember and celebrate Dustin's life will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, 7:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where friends may visit with his family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6:00 PM until the service. Memorial contributions may be made to his family to assist with expenses. To read more about Dustin, to share a memory and to sign his guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.