Norbert Otto Schmidt

Colonel Norbert Otto Schmidt, Sr., PhD,PE, 83, of Satellite Beach, FL died Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Born November 15, 1925 in Highland Park, MI, Norbert graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1949, served with the 65th Engineers on the Pusan Perimeter in the Korean War and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He earned his Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from Harvard in 1956, while serving with the ARMY Core of Engineers. He was posted around the U.S. and in Germany before leaving active duty in 1962, to pursue his PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. Norbert joined the faculty of the University of Missouri, Rolla, (UMR) retiring as Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering in 1990. A member of ASCE, ASTM, NSPE, and the U.S. Committee on Large Dams and elected to Sigma XI, Phi Eta Sigma, and Chi Epsilon, He was known for founding and lecturing internationally recognized continuing education courses in geotechnical engineering. He retired to Satellite Beach in 1991, where he and his wife, Donna have enjoyed the friendship on fellow West Point classmates. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna M. Schmidt, his son, Norbert O. Schmidt, Jr., (Bert), his daughters, Susan Smith, Caroliese Schmidt, Krista Eames, Emily Snodgrass, and his grandchildren, Hannah Schmidt, Julia, Peter and Jennifer Smith; Patrick Sullivan; Austin, Allison and Simone Eames; and Alexander, Nicholas, Christopher and Rachel Snodgrass. A memorial service and burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.