Joel David Schmidt, most beloved husband, father, son, and brother, passed away in the early hours of July 19, 2022. He was only 54.
The celebration of his life will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Church (510 W. Roosevelt Ave.) in Nampa at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 28. Graveside services follow immediately at Mount Calvary Cemetery (corner S. Powerline Rd. and E. Greenhurst Rd. in Nampa.)
Please join us for the reception at St. Paul’s to share memories afterward.
Born in Nampa, Idaho, Joel was the third child of Pamela and Melvin Schmidt, who provided their children with a warm and safe home in nearby Boise and raised them with solid values. In the summers, they went swimming at the Borah public pool, to the races at Meridian Speedway, on family vacations, and camping on the weekends, often around Idaho City.
Joel got the full Catholic school education, attending St. Mark’s, Sacred Heart, and Bishop Kelly. He started working in high school, and it was at one of his first jobs that he discovered a true talent: making and keeping lifelong friends, which he never stopped doing. He said his cancer diagnosis made him realize how many truly good friends he had. There were so many, but particularly among them were Tom and Steve, who were like brothers to him.
For someone who wasn’t that fond of school, Joel became highly educated. He worked his way through college at Boise State University and then joined HP, where he would stay and build a successful career. While there he went on to earn his MBA through Northwest Nazarene University.
Joel’s life would change profoundly in 2010, when he met Laura and her daughter Kate. Joel and Laura's love for one another was deep, unconditional, and enduring. They were each other's best friends and constant companions, always laughing, teasing, and sharing many inside jokes about cooking skills, guacamole, bacon, "tropical hypothermia," and how crafting supplies made excellent fire starters.
When Joel and Kate met, they bonded instantly and from that moment on, Joel took on the role of Kate's devoted dad and fiercest protector. He was a patient teacher and taught her everything she needed to know about life. He was incredibly proud when she realized her dream of becoming a nurse. When she picked up the backpacking bug, another of his favorite pastimes, he outfitted her with the best of everything she needed, and promised to take her to all of his favorite backpacking spots.
Joel and Laura were married on September 25, 2021 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Joel often remarked that it was one of the happiest days of his life.
His other enduring love was the mountains, and Joel escaped to them every chance he got. Whether it was a day drive or a weeklong camping trip, he couldn’t wait to be amongst the trees and rivers and soaring peaks. Joel and Laura shared their love of the mountains and travelled extensively together throughout the Pacific Northwest every year, always on the lookout for new hot springs and campgrounds to explore.
He picked up the photography bug out there so he could always bring a little piece of the woods home with him.
If Joel wasn't camping, he was doing the next best thing . . . sitting around the backyard firepit talking and laughing with friends, family, and "the tribe" next door, often into the wee hours of the morning, savoring the time outside and gazing up at the stars.
Joel leaves behind his wife, Laura; daughter, Kate, and soon-to-be son-in-law, John Bodfish; mom, Pam; sister, Celeste Schmidt; sister, Tiffany Kidner, brother-in-law Ron; niece, Breanne Kidner; nephew, Jonathan, and his wife Ria Kidner, and his in-laws, Jewel and Larry Easter. He also has aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved very much.
Preceding him in death were his father, Mel; baby brother, Michael; grandparents Alvin and Mary Muldoon; and grandparents Ione and Leo Schmidt.
Joel was generous, hardworking and handy, loved to joke and laugh, and would do anything for his family and friends. He was particularly close with his mom, and took her on a vacation each year, typically involving lots of sightseeing in the mountains, visits to museums and ghost towns, travelling along the Oregon Trail,
or visiting family in Seattle and the midwest.
Sadly, he had to leave before he had time to do and see all the things he wanted, and well before we had time enough with him.
Joel's family would like to thank the healthcare staff at St. Luke's Cancer Institute and St. Luke's Meridian for their compassion, kindness, and unwavering commitment to providing Joel with exceptional care.
If you would like to make a donation in Joel's name, please consider Camp Rainbow Gold and The Boise Bicycle Project.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joel David Schmidt, please visit our Tree Store.