Karl F. Schmidt

Karl F. Schmidt, 79, of Exeter Township passed away Saturday April 9, 2016 in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. He was the husband of Sharon Laury Schmidt. Born in Pottstown, Karl was the son of the late Hugh R. and M. Katharine (Clements) Schmidt. Karl is survived by his sister- in - law, Sheila L. Benton and her husband, Ray Benton of San Diego, California as well as their children, Megan and Eric. Karl attended public schools in Schwenksville, PA and upon high school graduation he earned his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College.
Karl began studying the piano at the age of 4 and the pipe organ at 9 years of age. When Karl was 13 he played a recital on the famous Wanamaker organ in Philadelphia. In his early teens he began his 50 years of musical service as a church organist and choir director. Karl taught for a short period of time in the Reading School District. Karl retired from the Exeter School District after many years of teaching general music classes and conducting choral groups on the secondary level. Karl was privileged to play many times for the late Fred Waring. He also enjoyed working at Hershey Park for Music in the Parks. Karl's exceptional keyboard ability created many opportunities to travel throughout the United States playing for different music publishing companies, choral reading sessions and for many world-renown composers.
Karl was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing as well as an associate member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, FL.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 4 beginning at 10:00 am with a memorial service filled with music at 11:00 am in Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd, Wyomissing, PA 19610.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the music fund and children's ministry fund of Atonement Lutheran Church. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. of Mount Penn is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com