Elmer J. “Schmidty” Schmidt, 89, Hays, died Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at his home.
He was born October 18, 1930 in Catharine, the son of Adolph J. and Anna (Staab) Schmidt. On November 7, 1955 he was united in marriage to Rosalinda “Rosie” Meier in Catharine, and they celebrated 64 years of marriage. He proudly served in the United States Army, was parts manager for 57 years at International Harvester/Radke Implement, and was a farmer. His memberships included Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #6984, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Bishop Cunningham Assembly, the American Legion, and served on the church funeral dinner committee. He enjoyed all sports, was a Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan, and loved watching WWE wrestling. He enjoyed woodworking, and loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife; Rosie of the home in Hays, a son Brian Schmidt and wife Cherie of Hays, three daughters; Patty Kuhn and husband Duane of Hays, Debbie Pittman and husband Lance of Flagstaff, AZ, and Brenda Gottschalk and husband Dan of Hays, three brothers; Emery Schmidt and wife Shirley of Catharine, Adolph Schmidt and wife DeAnn, and Gerald Schmidt and wife Elaine, all of Hays, a sister; Cora Dortland of Gorham, a brother-in-law; Maynard Evans of Hays, five grandchildren; Brandon Kuhn and wife Ashley, Dustin Kuhn and wife Mindy, Ayrton Pittman, Derek Gottschalk and wife Hayley, and Danna Decker and husband Brandon, and eleven great grandchildren; Kayleigh Kuhn, Jolie Kuhn, Shiloh Kuhn, Dayton Kuhn, Kasen Kuhn, Kaycee Kuhn, Claire Decker, Caleb Decker, Skyler Anderson, Leigh Anderson, and Lilly Fross.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers; infant brother Elmer, Celly, Herbert, and Alfred Schmidt, three sisters; Cyrilla Evans, Fedelia Rome, and Irene Dinkel, and a brother-in-law; Everett Dortland.
A Memorial Mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Graveside prayers will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Elmer may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com