Fred A. Schmitt , age 81 of Elwood, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 surrounded by his family at I.U. North Hospital in Carmel following a brief illness.  He was born August 28, 1940 in Wellsburg, WV, the son of George Eugene and Sophia Elizabeth (Blocker) Schmitt.  Fred was a 1958 graduate of Wellsburg High School.  He moved to Indiana for an opportunity to work in Elwood as a technician for the Indiana Gas Company.  Later, Fred became a Licensed Insurance Agent for Prudential Insurance Company and worked for 17 years as an agent in Elwood and surrounding communities.  He was known for his honesty, integrity, and passion with "doing things right".  Near retirement, Fred worked for Kadet Products as a driver for 8 years.  He married Carolyn A. (Smith) Cass on July 1, 2000, and they shared over 20 years of marriage together before her passing in 2021.

Fred was active in the community in many ways.  He was a longtime member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368 where he served as a trustee for many years and was selected "Elk of the Year" in 1992.  Fred was also a member of the Alexandria Eagles Lodge #177; member of the Elwood V.F.W. #5782; and past member and President of the Elwood Kiwanis Club.  Fred and Carolyn enjoyed spending winters in Florida for many years.  He especially loved animals of all kinds and was compassionate in helping stray animals around his home.  Fred enjoyed caring for his home and yard, and was very detailed about how things were done.  He was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Purdue fan.  Fred cherished his family, and they find comfort knowing that he is free of sickness and reunited with his beloved Carolyn in Heaven.

Fred's family legacy includes 6 children, Penny (Ron) Johns of Summerville, SC, Fred (Beth) Schmitt of Frisco, TX, Andrew (Jennifer) Schmitt of Elwood, Richard (Deanna) Cass of Alexandria, Theresa Clymer of Elwood, and Troy (Teresa) Cass of Marion; 11 grandchildren, Kyle (Nicole) Johns, Kayla (Andy) Higginbotham, Jacob Schmitt, Lucas Schmitt, Beau Schmitt, Erin Cass, Riley Cass, Carrie (Chris) Arnett, Matthew (Amber) Clymer, Ethan Cass, and Hayden Cass; 4 great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Elyana, Lincoln, and Wyatt; and several nieces and nephews.  Fred was preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings, Robert Schmitt, Peggy Loux, and Dorothy Schmitt.

A funeral service celebrating Fred's life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 28, 2022 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Rob Barton officiating.  Cremation will follow the funeral and burial will take place in the Elwood City Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home and will include an Elks Lodge Memorial at 4:30 pm and an Eagles Lodge Memorial at 4:45 pm.  Health precautions for the safety of the family and visitors are appreciated.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Elks Scholarship Fund.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.