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Dr. Ronald H Schmidt, Professor Emeritus, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 12, 2020. He was 77.

Known for his dry wit, he always had a joke or 10 to swap.

Music was a love and passion. Ron performed around town on his accordion and guitar with his band, Moderate Speed.

Ron was an internationally known expert on food safety and sanitary design. He traveled the world to talk, train, and consult. He published dozens of scientific papers and authored or contributed to 25 books.

But he wasn't just an academic. He was good with his hands and was most content when working on a project to fix or build something.

Ron was easy going and soft-spoken. He loved growing roses, dancing, solving crossword puzzles, and sports on TV.

Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Meeker County, Minnesota, he learned the value of hard work. He had fun with 4-H and FFA.

His advanced degrees were earned at the University of Minnesota, after which he served as a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service.

His career at the University of Florida Food Science and Human Nutrition Department spanned close to 40 years.
Students, many who stayed in touch with him, considered him a friend as well as a mentor and teacher. He stayed active in retirement, judging cheese and ice cream competitions, and serving on boards of several national organizations.

Ron loved ice cream.

He is survived by his wife and co-traveler, Gail, sons Gabe and Bjorn (Yadong), stepdaughters Sara (Rick) and Megan, grandchildren Gabe Jr, Mary Peyton, Andrew, George, Walt, Sadie, and Bryn, sisters Shirley Olson and Marilyn Hugh, brother Larry (Patricia), brother-in-law Loren Hirman, and sister-in-law, Bonnie Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Allan, and sister Barbara.