Bruce Edward Schmitt

   With his fishing pole and bait bucket in one hand and his rifle in the other, Bruce Schmitt was called to that great fishing and hunting compound in the sky.

   Bruce Edward Schmitt, 69, of Onaga, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday (October 5, 2022) at the Onaga Health & Rehab Facility with his family by his side.

   Born February 18, 1953 in in Summit, New Jersey, Bruce was the son of Alfred and Ruth (Bock) Schmitt. He grew up in Kenilworth, N.J. and graduated from David Brearley High School.  He attended a night school program for welding at the Manhattan Vo-Tech School.

   Bruce married Julie Berges on June 12, 1976 in Onaga, KS.  They moved to Roselle Park, N. J. for one year and moved back to Onaga where they lived on the family farm.

   Bruce was a welder. He worked for three years at Frankfort Fabrication and later for Dale Luttig in Emmett, KS for 10 years. When Dale decided to retire, Bruce went to work at Dymax as a steel cutter for 18 years until his health forced him to retire.

   Bruce was a member of the Congregational United Church in Onaga, Wamego Masonic Lodge No. 75 AF&AM, Kenilworth Jaycees and the Onaga Jaycees.  He received his JCI Senatorship in May, 1992.  Bruce also helped with the 4-H Shooting Sports and was a Hunter Education Instructor for many years.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

   Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Julie; two daughters, Keri Zenger and her husband, Chad and Rebecca Mayginnes and her husband, Zac; eight grandchildren, Trenton Ross and his fiance’,Cassie Punchard, Glennys “Rudy” Ross, Avery Zenger, Kylie Zenger, Will Zenger, Kylar Schmitt, Morgan Mayginnes and Rilyn Mayginnes all of Onaga, KS; a brother, Gary Schmitt and his wife, Carolyn of Union, N.J.; a brother in law, Reen Berges and his wife, Sandy of Great Bend, KS; and many other loving family members and friends who will greatly miss him.

   Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Ruth Schmitt.

  Bruce’s wish was to be cremated.  A Memorial service will be held on Thursday (October 13, 2022) at 3:00 p.m. at the Onaga Congregational United Church with Pastor Ron Stair officiating.

   The family will meet with friends on Thursday afternoon from 2:00 until the time of services and following the service at a reception in the fellowship hall.

   Memorials are requested to Julie Schmitt (to be given to an organization yet to be determined) and may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.