Schmidt, Karl Victor (1928-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Jul 9 p. 11

Birth date: 1928 Apr 16

text of obituary:

KARL VICTOR SCHMIDT

Karl Victor Schmidt was born to Adolph R. and Frieda Krewall Schmidt on April 16, 1928 in Cordell, Okla. At the time of his death, he had reached the age 41 years, 10 months and 16 days.

He received his elementary education at the Shelly, Flynn, and McKinley country schools. He attended Cordell High School and received his high school diploma from Corn Academy. His college days were spent at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan.

Family devotions in the home provided him with his early spiritual training. At an early age Karl realized his sinful condition in God's sight and accepted the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. He was baptized and received into the Mennonite Brethren Church of Bessie, Okla.

He met Rubena Nachtigall while in college. They were married on Feb 9, 1947. To this union two children, Karla Mae and Rodney Kent, were born.

Karl’s childhood was spent on the farm. During his youth he demonstrated a thankfulness for the blessings of the Lord and gratefulness for the opportunity of labor. Upon completion of college, Karl and Rubena moved to the Cordell, Okla. vicinity where they farmed for four years. Karl also taught the fifth and sixth grades at Corn Public School, Corn, Okla. Some of his favorite sports we basketball, track and bowling.

SGM Schmidt entered the Army on active duty May 13, 1952 at Fort Ord, Calif. From Fort Ord he was reassigned to Germany. Upon completing his tour of duty Europe in April 1957, SGM Schmidt returned to Fort Ord for duty with Headquarters Company Recruiting Station. On Nov. 13, 1958 he was transferred to the Infantry Training Center at Fort Ord where he served until September 1959. On Sept. 12, 1959 he returned to Germany. He was reassigned to Fort Sheridan, Ill. in July of 1964.

SGM Schmidt served with Headquarters, Fifth United States Army from July 24, 1964 until his death on March 6, 1970. During these last five years and eight months of his life, SGM Schmidt performed such duties as Personel [sic] Management Supervisor, Administrative Supervisor and Acting Chief of AG Classified Records. Awards and declarations received while on active duty: a. Nation Defense Service Medal with first Oak Leaf Cluster; b. Army Occupation Medal (Germany); c. Good Conduct Medal Fifth Award; d. Army Commendation Medal.

He leaves to mourn his early passing his wife Rubena: two children, Karla Mae, 17, and Rodney Kent, 14; his mother Freda Schmidt; four brothers, Alfred, A.B.P., and Manfred of Cordell, Okla. and Edwin of Reedley, Calif. He was preceded in death by his father. We as a family mourn the early passing of our beloved husband, father, son and brother, but with gratitude for his life, and with hope for we have the promise that at the great resurrection day of the children of the Lord we will gather together with him around the throne of the Lord. — The Family