Rudi passed away on August 12 at 6:44 a.m. at Mountainview Senior Home in Sundre, Alberta, with family by his side. He was 81 years old. Rudolf Zvonimir (Rudi) Schmidt was born in Osijek, Croatia, on June 12, 1945. After WWII, the Schmidt family was sent back to their German roots and settled in Wiechs, Germany, where his parents, George and Amalia Schmidt, built their home. Rudi later travelled to Spokane, Washington, where he studied Business at Gonzaga University. He went on to become a master carpenter in Germany and eventually built a home on an acreage near Airdrie, Alberta. He married Christa Graßlin of Wiechs, Germany.

Rudi Schmidt was predeceased by his children, Monika Paterson (Michael) and Kevin Schmidt (Sarah Jane); their mother, Christa Schmidt; and his grandchildren, Wilhelmina and Fredrick Paterson.

Rudi is survived by his sister, Rosina Schmidt, in Canada; her daughter, Cornelia Brandt, and Cornelia’s sons, Matthew Brandt and Callaghan Brandt; Rosina’s son, Daniel Schmidt (Deanna, née Franklin), and their son, Duke Schmidt; and Rosina’s son, Christian Schmidt.

Rudi is also survived by his sister, Georgina Zimmermann, in Germany; her daughter, Manuela Häuptli (Bernd), and their children, Steffen and Janine Häuptli; and Georgina’s son, Thomas Zimmermann, and his son, Justin Zimmermann.

Throughout his life, Rudi remained hopeful in fulfilling his dreams.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Mountainview Senior Home who befriended Rudi for their kindness, friendship, and care.

Rudi’s Funeral will be held in Nanaimo. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services (Sundre) 2A, 102 – 2 Street, 403.638.4393.

• Date : 2026-08-31
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Sundre) "Honouring Families Since 1999" www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610