Carl Frederick Schaarschmidt May 16, 1929 – January 12, 2021 56 year Resident of Santa Cruz County A funeral mass is being planned for a later date to celebrate the life of Carl Schaarschmidt who passed away at his Dominican Oaks residence at the age of 91. Born in Toledo, Ohio to Fritz and Frieda Schaarschmidt, he graduated from Burnham High School in Sylvania, Ohio in 1947. Following graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps and while stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California he met the love of his life Barbara Mazy at her High School dance at Eagle Rock HS. Upon her graduation they married in 1950 and enjoyed 70 years together, raising eight children, and building their home off old San Jose Road in Soquel. For more than 21 years, Mr. Schaarschmidt worked as the plant supervisor at UCSC. He was a master craftsman, cabinet maker and builder as well; with many beautiful furnishings that he created for churches, charities, family and friends. Many fond memories continue to be cherished of his sons working with him, on the construction of their home in Soquel, which he designed and built. Fondly called Opa, Mr. Schaarschmidt loved family gatherings and celebrations, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Opa was the patriarch of his family and will be fondly remembered for his faith, love and humor. Mr. Schaarschmidt was generous with his time, volunteering with many charitable organizations including California Grey Bears, where into his 80’s he continued to help with food distribution on a weekly basis. Mr. Schaarschmidt and his wife started the STARS program at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for children with disabilities. They both were long time parishioners of St. Joseph’s Catholic Community in Capitola. Mr. Schaarschmidt was also the past president of St. Joseph’s branch of the Italian Catholic Federation. Mr. Schaarschmidt is survived by his wife Barbara; his sons and daughters-in-law, Fred and Renee’ Schaarschmidt of Sun Tan Valley, AZ; Kurt and MaryJo Schaarschmidt of Grand Terrace, CA; Carl and Lisa Schaarschmidt of Castroville, CA. his daughter, Lisa Perry of Redwood City, and daughter and son-in-law Mary and Richard Etow of Watsonville; and his son, James Schaarschmidt of Santa Cruz. He also leaves 18 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and his sister, Louise Priest of Ohio. Mr. Schaarschmidt was preceded in death by his daughter Vibiana Bruno and his son, Paul Schaarschmidt. One of four children, he was also preceded in death by his brother Jim, and sister, Rose. A funeral mass will be announced later in the year and celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest in Soquel Cemetery, beside his son Paul, who preceded him in death in 2000. A kind act of charity made to the I.C.F. Scholarship Fund is deeply appreciated.