Schmidt, Emil O. (1894-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 11 p. 6

Birth date: 1894 Jun 14

text of obituary:

— Funeral services for Emil O. Schmidt, 65, a rural mail carrier in the Elbing and Whitewater communities for 40 years, were held Wednesday afternoon at the Grace Hill Mennonite church, Rev. Herbert R. Miller and Rev. J. J. Voth officiating. Mr. Schmidt collapsed and died during the half-time intermission of the college basketball game in Lindley Hall here Saturday evening. He was taken to Bethel Deaconess hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival there. Surviving are his wife, the former Lydia Harms; one son, Loren R. of Newton; two brothers, Arthur of Newton and Otto of Pawnee Rock, one sister, Mrs. Albert Harms of Whitewater; and two granddaughters.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 25 p. 8

text of obituary:

EMIL O. SCHMIDT

Emil O. Schmidt, son of John G. and Anna Schmidt, was born June 14, 1894 near Whitewater, Kansas. He passed away Feb. 6, 1960, having reached the age of 65 years, seven months and 23 days.

On June 16, 1912, he was baptized upon the confession of faith and united with the Grace Hill Mennonite church, of which he remained a faithful member until death.

After completing the elementary school years he attended and graduated from the Bethel College academy. The next two years were spent teaching in elementary school. He then served a brief period in the service during World War I.

He was united in marriage to Lydia Harms on May 12, 1923. One son, Loren, was born to this union. Emil began his work as rural mail carrier in the Elbing community and served the Whitewater area in this capacity for nearly forty years. It was a work in which he enjoyed giving his patrons the best possible service, and by which he made and kept many friends.

Emil served in various capacities in church work. For many years he taught Sunday School classes and he also served as church treasurer for sometime. One of his special interests and concerns was promoting the building of a new church building. In this interest he served as a member of the building committee and was always a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. The church building was completed in 1954 and he was privileged to enjoy these last years in the worship services and social functions in the new building.

His characteristic outlook on life was ever one of optimism combined with open-mindedness and understanding. Throughout his life he exhibited an active interest in church and community affairs. To his friends he never really seemed to grow older.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Lydia; one son Loren and wife Phyllis of Newton; two brothers, Arthur of Newton and Otto of Pawnee rock; one sister, Mrs. Albert (Emma) Harms of Whitewater; two granddaughters; and many relatives and friends. One sister, Ida (Mrs. Ira Schroeder) and one brother, Ernest l. Schmidt, preceded him in death.