Iris E. (Hanson) Schmitz

Iris E. (Hanson) Schmitz, 89, of Alma, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Alma Manor, in Alma, Kansas. Iris was born November 6, 1922 in rural Marshall County near Schroyer, the daughter of Hans P. and Blanche R. (Griffee) Hanson. She attended schools in Marysville and Manhattan before graduating from Wamego High School. On December 24, 1942 Iris married Arnold E. Schmitz, in Alma. He preceded her in death in 2000. Iris was a school teacher for a few years and taught in a one room school house in rural Wabaunsee County before teaching in Alma in the early 1940’s, all before becoming a fulltime mother and homemaker. She also helped run the family business; Alma Gas and Equipment Company until her retirement in 1980. Iris was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Manhattan and was very active in the LP Gas Association throughout the years they were in business. Iris loved cooking and baking, and enjoyed sewing, reading, and gardening. She also loved bird watching and spending time with her family. Iris is survived by one daughter: Mary Olson and husband Pete, of Garden City, Kansas; one son: Jim Schmitz and wife Christina, of Alma, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Among her husband Iris was also preceded in death by her parents, her son J. E. Schmitz, her daughter in-law: Ruby, a grandson: J. P. and all of her 8 siblings. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Alma. Burial will follow at the Alma City Cemetery. Iris will lie in-state beginning at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday followed by the family greeting friends during a visitation from 6:00-7:30 p.m. all at the Stewart Funeral Home, Alma. Memorials are suggested to the Alma Manor and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Alma, KS, PO Box 126, 66401.