Schmidt, David H. (1875-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jun 25 p. 9

Birth date: 1875 Apr 12

text of obituary:

DAVID H. SCHMIDT

Our father David H. Schmidt was born April 12, 1875, in Marion county, Kansas, east of Goessel where he resided all his life.

He was the youngest son of the Heinrich A. and Anna Unruh Schmidt family which came to America in 1874. He was baptized upon his confession of faith in His Redeemer by Elder Jacob Buller May 22, 1893, and became a member of the Alexanderwohl church. In 1920, when the Goessel Mennonite church was organized, he became a charter member and remained faithful to the end.

He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Funk on November 4, 1897. To this union seven children were born, three sons and four daughters, all of whom survive.

Mother preceded him in death on November 26, 1938, which left him very lonely. The rest of his life he lived with his children in his home.

Father enjoyed good health until the last few years, then failing health became apparent. He suffered a great deal the last four months and greatly longed for his heavenly Home. He was much concerned for the welfare of his children and grandchildren.

He had committed to memory a collection of Bible verses and songs in which he found much comfort after his eyesight failed, which he recited often in his lonely and suffering days. After his mind failed at times, he asked the children to read Bible verses and songs, which comforted him greatly, especially the 23rd Psalm and the song, “Only Trust in Jesus.”

Realizing that his days were numbered he stated that his salvation was sure through grace, and grace alone.

Father attended church faithfully until his health failed. The last time he attended church was on December 7, 1952, after which he felt unable to leave home. He was taken to the Bethesda hospital May 16 and after 10 days of care by the doctor and nurses, he received some relief, and upon his wish was taken home again where he was taken care of by the children. During the last weeks he was more or less helpless but the last few days he seemed to be getting somewhat stronger. He unexpectedly and quietly, slipped away on June 13 at about 2:15 in the morning at the age of 78 years, two months and one day.

He leaves to mourn his death his children, Adolf and Elizabeth Schmidt, Leonard and Helen Schmidt, Philip and Edna Schmidt, Mary and Kurt Wiens, Anna and John Banman, Selma and Sam Banman, Lydia and Dave Buller; 38 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one sister.

Seven grandchildren, one great grandchild, four brothers, five sisters and his parents preceded him in death.

The funeral was held June 15 at 9:30 a.m. in the Goessel Mennonite church.—The Children.