DOWAGIAC — A Dowagiac man who had been missing since March has been found dead in Penn Township.
Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke reported that Larry Waldschmidt, 78, of Dowagiac, was found dead in Penn Township Wednesday. Waldschmidt, who was considered endangered due to being insulin dependent diabetic and an Alzheimer’s patient, was reported missing by family members on March 27.
During this time, Behnke said it appeared that Waldschmidt pulled into a residence on Kelsey Lake Street west of Decatur Road where the owners were not staying. Waldschmidt’s vehicle appeared parked in the driveway as it belonged, so it was not suspicious, Behnke said.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
Dozens of tips from around the state were given as possible sighting of Waldschmidt during the time he was missing, but after being investigated, were unfounded, Behnke said.
The family and Cass County Sheriff’s Office said they would like to thank all the news media, friends and first responders that helped in the search for Waldschmidt.