Obituary of Donald "Don" F. Schaarschmidt

Born in Toledo, Ohio on September 5, 1938, the son of immigrant parents, Donald Frederick Schaarschmidt showed an early aptitude for music, and anything related to building construction. At fifteen, prior to receiving formal training in drafting and engineering, he designed and drew the plans for the family cottage on Lake Erie. He graduated from Macomber Vocational High School and later earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Civil Structural Engineering from the University of Toledo in 1962. Don always took pride in designing and building countless commercial structures as well as many passion projects for himself and family members.As a young kid, he took lessons on mandolin, violin, and tenor banjo. He and his brother, Al, took up brass instruments under the tutelage of local band leader Milo Barrett, and then played in the high school marching band. He met his first wife, Mary Lynn Spaulding, when both were in the trombone section of the TU band. They married in 1960 and had three children, Steven, Daniel, and Susan. The family moved to Colorado Springs in 1972 and Don promptly found a job with a consulting engineering firm.Don realized a long-held dream when he founded Schaarschmidt Engineering Company in 1976. Establishing his office at home, the devoted (now single) father provided for his family through the 1970s and �80s, enthusiastically remaining involved in their pursuits both educational and recreational.In 1990, Don joined the 50th Civil Engineering Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base (then known as Falcon Air Force Station) as a civilian employee.He married Karen Sue Eiles (nee Stielstra) in 1999 with whom he enjoyed going to dances (at the International Polka Club), travelling (including the Mediterranean, Europe, and Egypt), making improvements to their home, hosting family gatherings, and finding great fulfillment in their church community.For the rest of his life, he thoroughly enjoyed the role of stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather to his beloved expanded family that includes three stepsons and their families, resulting in a total of eleven grandchildren to whom he was "Grandpa."His musical pursuits led him to participate in numerous groups over the years including Colorado Springs Community Band, New Horizons Band, The Hoedown-aires, The Third Man Trio, Mandocentrics, Tuba Christmas, and his own Dixieland jazz combo called Dixie Q.He is survived by his wife; his three children and their families; his brother, Alfred, and family; and his expanded family.�In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don's memory may be made to Namaste Alzheimer Center (www.homeishere.org/locations/namaste-alzheimer-center/namast-alzheimer-center/)Memorial Service, 2:00PM, Tuesday, January 25, 2022, High Plains Fellowship, 4355 Los Ranchitos Drive, Peyton, Colorado 80831.Private Interment, Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. Events Final Resting Place Evergreen Cemetery 1005 Hancock Expressway Colorado Springs, CO 80903