Vernon Noren Schmidt of Fresno, CA, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
Family is the thread that runs through every story.
Vernon peacefully passed away on April 20, 2026. He was one hundred years old.He was born in Reedley, California to parents Jake J and Ruth Ethel (Noren) Schmidt on January 21st, 1926. Vernon was the second of three children; older brother Glenn and sister Violet.Vernon is survived by his son Keith, (wife Janis); daughter Audrey Tarvin, (husband Harold); daughter-in-law Sandy Brechman; step daughter Jeanie Barnes; stepson Michael, (wife Betty). Grandchildren are Eric Schmidt, (wife Sontoya); Laurie Doyle (husband Kevin); Wesley Tarvin, (wife Muey) and Kyle Tarvin, (wife Chelsea). He has seven great grandchildren; Dylan and Carsen Schmidt, Connor Doyle, Evelyn, Erin, Livy and Felix Tarvin.Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Jake J. & Ruth Ethel Schmidt; wives Dona (Buller) Schmidt (married 68 years); Violet Beatrice (Osbourne) Schmidt (married nine years); brother Glenn; sister Violet; son Chris and great grandson, Jameson Doyle.He attended Reedley schools and graduated high school in 1943. Vernon entered the U.S. Army in 1944, training for Army infantry at Camp Roberts in California. He left on the Queen Mary for Europe in January 1945, landing at Le Havre, France. Being assigned to the 90th Infantry Division in General Patton's 3rd Army, Vernon entered combat at the Seigfried line in Germany. He ended combat May 8th, 1945 in Czechoslovakia. He returned to the U.S. in July 1946 and was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, and ETO Ribbon with 2 Battle Stars.Vernon married Dona after being home for six weeks. They settled in Reedley where they raised three children. He worked selling large agriculture equipment and retired at age 70.Vernon loved attending air shows and traveling, visiting Europe eight times with his family and friends. The last trip to Germany, France and Luxemborg was in 2018 with his new bride, Violet.Over the years, he made many life international friends. Vernon attended many military reunions. His plans were to attend the 90 Infantry Association reunion in August in Fort Worth, Texas.Vernon was currently the Commander of American XPow Fresno Chapter #1. He was a regular attendee of the Monday morning Veterans Class at Clovis Veterans Memorial District. He was a member of Peoples Church in Fresno. Vernon was well known for his quick smile, humble heart, and his giving spirit. He has left a legacy of service having done countless interviews sharing his story with school children and adults.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Fresno Mission, 2025 E Dakota Ave, Ste 401, Fresno, CA 93726 or Teen Challenge, PO Box 391, Reedley, CA 93654.
