Robert Edwin Schmidt, Jr.

View Memorial Slideshow

Robert Edwin Schmidt, Jr. 85, Alma, KS went to be with Jesus Friday, February 15, 2019 at his home.

  On August 25, 1933, Robert, was born to Robert L. and Helen (Johnson) Schmidt in Clay Center, KS.  Bob graduated from Alma High School in 1951 where he earned the FFA State Farmer Award his senior year.  He was united in marriage with Virginia Lee Lind on September 4, 1952.  She survives of the home.  He worked a short stint with the Union Pacific Railroad before attending Kansas State University. Bob then worked for Goodyear in Topeka, KS building tractor tires for 10 years.  During that time, he also farmed and ranched on the side.  After his time at Goodyear, Bob started farming full time with his son until 1995. 

  Bob loved his church family and served as president of the church council.  He also enjoyed outdoor hobbies from youth which included fishing for catfish and crappie, pheasant and quail hunting.  He particularly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren at the family pool.  He and Virginia frequented dances with big bands.  Bob loved to travel throughout the U.S. with his family.  As a couple they especially enjoyed several cruise vacations and a trip to China.

  He is also survived by three daughters, Janet Wertzberger, Alma, KS, Jolene Saunders (Larry), Topeka, KS, and Jacque Henne (Lowell), Paxico, KS; a son, Robert W. Schmidt (Doris), Alma, KS; four siblings, Virginia Czirr (Glenn), Alma, KS, Charlotte Bruyn, Kansas City, MO, Jack Schmidt, Desoto, KS, and Carol Patrick, Denton, TX; eleven grandchildren, Jarrod Wertzberger, Angie Decker, Lindsey Pontious, A.J. Wertzberger, Brandon Saunders, Danielle Campbell, Chelsie Saunders, Rebecca Short, Michael Short, Cole Schmidt, and Clay Schmidt; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

  He is preceded in death by his parents and a son in-law, Jeff Short.

  Funeral Mass for Robert will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Alma. Burial will follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery.  Bob will lie in-state Wednesday, February 20^th from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. and Visitation from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. at the Holy Family Church Hall. Memorials are suggested to the Holy Family Catholic Church and St. John Lutheran School Endowment Fund, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547.