Youngest Mundelein mass shooting victim Maclaine Schmidt remembered as gentle, humble — and a talented chef

The youngest victim in last week’s mass shooting in Mundelein is being remembered as a gentle and kind young man who loved to cook.

Maclaine Schmidt, 22, of Lake Bluff, had worked at several Chicago-area restaurants. Most recently he was a line cook at Follia in Lake Forest, working a sauté station.

Follia’s general manager, Adriano Bruzzone, said Schmidt had a strong work ethic, showing up for shifts early and staying late.

Bruzzone also recalled how Schmidt stepped up when the head chef left unexpectedly. He assisted with inventory, ordering and even testing recipes at home, Bruzzone said.

“He really enjoyed what he was doing,” Bruzzone said. “He had a passion for it.”

Schmidt was fatally shot Oct. 18 by his father, Bryan, inside his paternal grandparents’ home, Mundelein police have said.

Bryan Schmidt also murdered his parents, 80-year-old James Schmidt and 77-year-old Rebecca Schmidt; and his 37-year-old girlfriend, Nicole A. Heiser of Antioch, before killing himself.

The five bodies were discovered by police after another member of the Schmidt family couldn’t reach her relatives and requested a well-being check at the house. Two handguns police believe were used in the attacks and suicide notes were found.

The killings — and the killer’s possible motive — remained under investigation Monday, Mundelein police said.

Follia owner Bruno Abate is among the people who’ve shared memories of Maclaine Schmidt on social media. Before coming to Follia earlier this year, Maclaine Schmidt worked for Abate at Tocco in Winnetka.

Abate described Schmidt as a “brilliant and passionate chef.”

“Mac was kind, genuine and humble,” Abate wrote.

Schmidt brought levity to the kitchen, too, with jokes and banter, Bruzzone said.

The week after the murders, the kitchen at Follia “felt empty” without him, Bruzzone said.

Schmidt had interests outside the kitchen, especially hiking and other outdoor pursuits. He also liked video games.

Schmidt’s stepfather, Anthony Nunnery, said they shared that pastime and a love of the hospitality industry.

“I'll forever be grateful for the years I've gotten to watch him grow into the man he is today,” Nunnery said. “He touched everyone who had the opportunity to get to know him.”

In addition to his stepfather, Schmidt’s survivors include his mother, Shelby Schmidt.

More than $17,000 had been raised for Schmidt’s family through an online fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/Maclaine-Schmidt as of Monday afternoon. Contributions will go toward funeral arrangements, counseling, legal costs and more, according to organizers.

Schmidt’s remains will be transformed into soil by a Maryland company called Earth Funeral, the Lake County coroner’s office indicated. A celebration of his life for friends and family is being planned.

Funeral arrangements for his grandparents and father are pending.

Visitation for Heiser will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee.

rlissau@dailyherald.com