Schmidt, Albert M. (1905-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Feb 9 p. 6

Birth date: 1905 May 10

text of obituary:

— Mr. and Mrs. Roland P. Pankratz of Newton and Mrs. John Jantzen of Burrton went to Omaha, Neb. on Monday where they attended a memorial service for their brother-in-law, Rev. Albert M. Schmidt, who died there Feb. 1 at the age of 50. Rev. Schmidt who had suffered from a heart ailment for some time, was a pioneer missionary of the K. M. B. Church in the city of Omaha, serving as the first pastor of the Fontenelle Chapel there. He retired from the work about a year ago. The body was sent to Carpenter, S. D., where funeral services were held Saturday at the Bethel K. M. B. church. Taking part in the service at the Grace Baptist Church in Omaha were representatives of Grace Bible Institute, which is closely associated with the work of the K. M. B mission. Rev. Schmidt is survived by his second wife, the former Ella Pankratz, daughter of the late Rev. Frank Pankratz, and five children, by his first marriage.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Feb 23 p. 8

text of obituary:

REV. ALBERT M. SCHMIDT

Rev. Albert M. Schmidt, son of Mr. and Mrs Tobias Schmidt, was born on May 10, 1905, at Waldheim, Sask., where he grew up on his father's farm. he received his elementary education at the Springfield public school. later he attended the Rosthern Acadamy [sic] for his high school training.

In 1924, under the ministry of Rev. Paul Smith, he came face to face with the need for salvation. He accepted Jesus Christ as the Saviour and Lord of his life. Upon his confession of faith, he was baptized and became a member of the Salem K. M. b. Church at Waldheim.

Rev. Schmidt was united in holy matrimony to miss Mary Epp on Nov. 11, 1926. For several years they resided on his father's farm. Together they passed through many difficulties during the depression years. To this union were born the following children: Ellen, Mrs. Willard Tschetter of Carpenter, S. D.; Dennis, Robert, Dorothy and Marjorie, all of Omaha, Neb.

From the time of his conversion to the Lord, Bro. Schmidt keenly felt the responsibilities he had to his master. it was this love for Christ and for his fellowman that made him an ardent supporter of the church. he never tired of doing what he could in Sunday school, young people's activities, church music and home Bible studies. He was one of the chief instigators of the Young Men's Christian Endeavor, a group which carried out the extension work of the Salem Church.

In 1946 he responded to the call of the Lord and of the newly established Bethesda Church of Huron, S. D., to enter the preaching ministry. He was ordained to the ministry on Sept. 8 of that year. He served in this capacity at the Bethesda Church until the fall of 1949.

Nearly the entire time in Huron, the work of both Rev. and Mrs. Schmidt was greatly impeded by ill health, both of them suffering from a heart condition.

In 1949 Rev. Schmidt and his family courageously moved to Omaha, Neb. to establish a city mission in one of the neglected areas of the city. It was there that on May 19, 1950, his beloved wife, after much suffering, passed on to be with the Lord.

By the grace and goodness of God, Rev. Schmidt found another helpmate to share the joys and burdens of life. On Dec. 9, 1950 he was united in marriage to Miss Ella Pankratz, a most devoted Christian. The five blessed years thus spent were only too short.

During this time his service included a year of pastoral work in the First Baptist Church of Brayton, Iowa, additional pastoral work at the Logan Fontinelle Chapel at Omaha, and other pastoral supply work. Although he did not serve at the Chapel in an official capacity these last years, he was still an ardent supporter in every possible way, being largely responsible for the newly remodeled chapel.

For about a month Rev. Schmidt was aware of the fact that his previous heart ailment was beginning to reappear. On Thursday, Feb. 2, 1956, at about 10:50 a. m. while attempting to fasten a top carrier to a car, he suddenly dropped his arms and collapsed. He was hastily carried into a nearby office, but never regained consciousness again. The Rescue Squad rushed him to the hospital, but he was declared dead upon arrival. He attained the age of 50 years, seven months and 23 days.

Left to mourn his premature departure are his wife and family, two brothers and three sisters, two grandsons and many friends.

Deep is his family's grief at the loss of a husband and father. They will miss his cheerful disposition and his utterly unselfish love. May he rest in peace.