06/30/2025
ā¤ļøEvery now and then, we love to share the stories of the amazing people who call Knoppās home. Today, weāre proud to introduce you to Mr. Herbert Louis Schmidt, a Fredericksburg native whose life has been filled with hard work ethic, deep love, and the authentic Texas grit worthy of inspiration.š
Born in August of 1928, Herbert grew up right here in Fredericksburg. By the time most kids were still figuring out bicycles, he was sweeping floors for a paycheck at Lange & Nebgenās Red & White store. A year later, at just 13 years old, he was already wiring entire homes for Duecker Electric, long before most folks are even trusted with a toolbox, can you imagine?!
That early drive set the tone for the rest of his life. In 1956, he founded Herbert Schmidt Electric, and now nearly 70 years later, itās still here in Fredericksburg and still family owned.
Herbert was a proud Battlinā Billie (pictured), playing football throughout high school (recognize the field?). But the real prize came when he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Danz, in 1947. The two were married for 71 wonderful years until her passing in 2018, building a family full of love, laughter, and legacyā¦six children, fifteen grandchildren, and a whole bundle of great-grandkids that Herbert says āare hard to keep count of, but easy to love.āš¤£š«¶
His work as an electrician even lit up history, literally. Herbert wired up President Lyndon B. Johnsonās ranch in Stonewall, a story he still tells with pride. Heās traveled across the country by train, visiting places like Canada, the Grand Canyon, and Mackinac Island, but says nothing beats a Hill Country sunrise with a plate of German pancakes and dried sausage.š¤¤
In his spare time (though not much of it), Herbert is one to give back generously to his community. He served as a volunteer firefighter in Fredericksburg for 25 years, ushers at the Methodist Church, and stays active with the Lions Club, the Jaycees, and even the FAAā¦because you never know when you might need to fly something (or at least fix it!).
šØHeās also got a creative streak. Herbert has spent years sketching portraits of his grandchildren in pencil, and his gentle talent speaks volumes about the kind of man he is: steady, thoughtful, and full of heart.
These days, youāll find Herbert right here with us at Knoppās, sharing his stories, his wit, and his warm smile with everyone he meets. Heās the kind of man who reminds us what true legacy looks like. Not just in what he built, but in the people he raised, the lives he touched, and the community he helped shape.
We are truly blessed to have him as part of the Knopp family. š„°
