Leslie "Les" Emil Schmid

Janaury 30, 1929 - November 5, 2021

It is with full hearts that the Schmid family announces the passing on November 5, 2021, of their remarkable father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Leslie Emil Schmid (92) of Stockton, California. His daughter, Dawn, was at his side when he passed.

A fifth generation Californian, Les was born January 30, 1929, to Emil and Alice (Katberg) Schmid in Modesto, California. He was a proud descendent of pioneers settling at Sutter's Fort in 1845 before the Gold Rush. Raised in a farming family in the San Joaquin Valley, Les graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in agricultural engineering then served two years in the US Navy at Skaggs Island Naval Communication Station.

After Les returned from military service, his focus turned to harvesting and the subsequent founding of L E Schmid Contract Harvesting Inc. His degree, his farming experience, and his keen interest in farming equipment made him the ideal candidate to adapt combine grain harvesters to the unique farming conditions of California. Starting in the 1960s, Les collaborated over the years with John Deere, Case, and others to adapt and design prototype combine grain harvesters. He also designed and built his own bank-out wagon and called it "Ramo." The bank-out wagon increased the speed of custom harvesting. Les shared his expertise with the Peace Corps in 1975, teaching modern agriculture practices and harvester operation for six months in India. For his many contributions to the field of agriculture, Les was inducted into the San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2009.

Les's substantial public service and community involvement included years of service as director of Roberts Union Farm Center and a very active membership in the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau as well s the Stockton Chamber of Commerce. He served the Farm Bureau as a Director at Large throughout his life. For over 25 years he served as a chairman of the Stockton Ag Expo Committee and was instrumental in planning the Expo show every year.

Also known as "Schmitty" by friends, Les was a charter member of the Hitch and Bitch Riding and Driving Society. He was active in the Sonoma County Trailblazers and the Reno Sierra Riders. He was a member of the San Joaquin County Historical Society and had also been a member of the Mason Morning Star Masonic Lodge #19 since 1952. Other memberships included the Grandfathers Club of America and the Fire House 5 Gang.

Les and his beloved wife Evelyn "Evie" (Morgans) were married from 1953 until her passing in 2016. They were actively involved in their children's activities, including horses, baseball, and BMX. Les was also known for his holiday gatherings. Friends and family could count on his famous tacos, which he made individually for each party-goer, particularly on the Fourth of July and at the legendary Halloween parties.

Les is survived by his children, David (Becci) of Clovis, CA, Dawn (Patrick) McGuire of Atascadero, CA, and John (Lori King) of Clements, CA; granddaughters Jenn and Nicole, and great-grandaughter Ava all of Clovis, CA; along with sister Dawn Mensinger of Modesto, CA and brother Lewis Schmid of Irvine, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Joaquin County Historical Society.

SERVICES:

Services for Les will be held on Friday December 3, 2021 at 1:00pm in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd. in Lodi, California.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schmid family.

Please leave your condolences below.