Schmidt, Reinhold F. (1914-1987)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 23 Apr 1987 p. 8

Birth date: 1914

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 9 Jul 1987 p. 11

text of obituary:

REINHOLD F. SCHMIDT

Reinhold "R.F." Schmidt was born Feb. 17, 1914, on a farm near Whitewater, Kan., to Henry and Marie Schmidt. He was the youngest of 11 children.

He was baptized by G. N. Harms and joined the Grace Hill Mennonite Church.

He attended the Hillsboro Bible Academy, Whitewater High School and graduated from Newton High School. Later he attended Bethel College, North Newton. Biblical education was very important to him. He was the last teacher to teach the church-sponsored German Bible School. He was Sunday school superintendent and teacher for many years. He also served the church as member of the board and Spiritual Council.

On May 7, 1937, he married Dorothy Unruh at the Johannestal Mennonite Church near Hillsboro. He died three weeks before the 50th anniversary of their wedding.

He was active in community affairs and served as contact man for Mennonite Disaster Service.

He retired after 40 years of farming and dairying. After his wife retired in 1981, they enjoyed traveling together.

His health declined early in 1987. He died on Good Friday, April 17, 1987, at the age of 73. Preceding him in death were three brothers, Arnold, Waldo and Herbert; three sisters, Johanna, Matilda and Alida; and a daughter-in-law, Rosalie Voth Schmidt. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy; four children, Ralph and wife Jeanne, Deanna and husband Reynold Entz, Betta and husband Marlin Kym and Randall and wife Rachel; four sisters, Adella Goertz, Olga Jantz, Lea Good and Verna Unrau; 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held April 20, 1987, at Grace Hill Mennonite Church, with James Voth officiating.