Deacon Paul D. Schmidt, 79, died Sept. 21. He was ordained in 2001 and served at St. James, Arlington Heights while working as business manager at Holy Cross Parish, Deerfield.

Deacon Schmidt was born in Detroit and grew up in Michigan. He came to Arlington Heights in 1980 after a job transfer.

He served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including active duty in the Vietnam War. He died after years of intermittent illness, originating with his contact with Agent Orange.

He became a deacon after retiring from his corporate career and started a second career as a parish business manager at Holy Cross, where he served until June.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette, his children Jennifer and David Schmidt, and three grandchildren.