Martin A. Schmidt, age 92, longtime resident of Ledgewood Beach, Coupeville, passed away Monday, June 28, 2010 at Careage of Whidbey.

He was born April 22, 1918 in Riverdale, Ill., of ethnic German parents who came to America from the Volga River area of Russia. Martin was the middle brother of their three boys. The family spoke German at home. After eight years of Lutheran parochial school, Martin moved with the family to Fernwood, Ill., where he attended Fenger High School graduating in 1936. After high school Martin went to work in the office of Armour & Co. in Chicago near the stock yards. In 1941 he married Helen Silvola from Winton, Minn. America went to war that same year and he enlisted in the Army Air Corp where he served as a B-29 navigator until war’s end. A son, Martin Robert, was born during the war. After the war the family returned to Riverdale where daughters Louise and Jean were born.

Martin enjoyed people and a career in sales came naturally to him. Over the years he sold products for a variety of companies, notably the International Latex Company, Playtex division. Finally, he started his own sales company which later merged with his son’s sales company here on Whidbey Island in 1980. Together they incorporated as Interstate Label Company. He soon retired and his son purchased Martin’s half of the growing business.

Golf, tennis and travel were Martin’s favorite free time activities well into his 80s. He loved his Whidbey Island home and enjoyed the company of many friends and social activities. But, Martin loved the Lord most of all and was a member of Whidbey Evangelical Free Church and very active in the ministry endeavors of Gideons International.

Martin is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Helen Schmidt at the family home; son Martin Robert of Coupeville; daughter Louise Brechman, Willowbrook, Ill.; daughter Jean Duke and husband Mike, Park Hall, Md.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel. Martin requested cremation and a private family inurnment. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at Whidbey Evangelical Free Church on Highway 525, south of Greenbank. All friends and neighbors are welcome for all or part of the service. Food and beverages will be provided. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com. The family can be reached at martins@whidbeyisland.net.