John "J. E." Edwin Schmitz

John “J. E.” Schmitz, 63, a lifetime resident of Alma, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at his home in Alma. J. E. was born on July 20, 1947 in Manhattan, KS the son of Arnold and Iris (Hansen) Schmitz. He graduated from Alma High School in 1965. J. E. married Linda Haller, on June 19, 1971, they later divorced. He then married Ruby (Hatch) Schmitz on Feb. 16, 1985 in Alma. She preceded him in death on March 25, 2010. J. E. was the owner and operator of Flint Hills LP Gas for more than 20 years after holding several jobs in the gas and propane industry. J. E. was an avid K-State sports fan, and enjoyed going hunting and fishing and most importantly spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his mother Iris Schmitz of Alma; his children, Chad Schmitz (Amy), Alma, KS Kelly Oliver (Jason), Maple Hill, KS, Ashley Schmitz, Alma, KS and Lola, Joshua and Chelsea Schmitz, all of the home; 7 grandchildren, Kayla, Emily and Canyon Schmitz, Abby, Cade and Eli Oliver and Kendra Colson; a brother, Jim Schmitz (Christina), Alma, KS; a sister, Mary Olson (Pete), Garden City, KS; 2 nieces and 2 nephews. He was also preceded in death by a son, “J.P.” Schmitz in 2003, and his father. Funeral services for J. E. will be held on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at the Peace United Church of Christ, Alma, KS. There will be a visitation with family greeting friends prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the J. E. Schmitz memorial fund and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Alma, PO Box 126, 66401. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.stewartfuneralhomes.com.