Schmidt, Roland (1934-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Feb 18 p. 7

Birth date: 1934 Oct 8

text of obituary:

Father of Four Killed When Truck Overturns in Ditch

Corn, Okla. — A largely attended funeral took place at the Corn Mennonite Brethren Church on Feb. 4 as services were held for Roland J. Schmidt, 35, victim of a highway accident near here. Rev. Albert Epp, the pastor, and Rev. J. W. Vogt of Hillsboro, Kan. officiated.

Mr. Schmidt was driving a water truck when the vehicle went out of control and ran into a ditch, crushing him in the cab. It is believed he died instantly.

Mr. Schmidt and his wife, the former Joan Goosen [sic Gossen], both graduated from the Corn Bible Academy. He was a youth sponsor at the Corn M. B. Church and active in 4-H work.

Surviving in addition to Mrs. Schmidt are four children, Lorraine, Richard, Philip, and Russell, all of the home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Schmidt of Corn; two sisters, Mrs. Marvin Vogt of Corn and Mrs. Leo Harms of Weatherford; and a brother, Milton, of Oklahoma City.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Mar 11 p. 11

text of obituary:

ROLAND SCHMIDT

Roland Schmidt, our living [sic] husband and father, was born on Oct. 8, 1934 and went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 1, 1971, reaching the age of 36 years, three months, and 23 days.

He received his elementary education in the Corn, Okla. area. He graduated from the Corn Bible Academy and attended Pacific College one semester.

At an early age Roland realized his need of a Saviour and accepted Jesus Christ as his own personal Saviour. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith on June 21, 1946 and received into the Corn M. B. Church where he remained a faithful member to the end.

On Aug. 19, 1954, he was married to Joan Gossen. The union was blessed with one daughter and three sons.

Roland loved his church and was an active member. He served as a Sunday school teacher for many years, for five years in the Christian Education Committee, and also as chairman of the committee. At the time of his death he was a church usher, and it was also his great joy to work with the Junior High Youth Group. It was together with this group that a program was presented in church the evening before his homegoing.

It was his privilege to see all of his children accept Christ as their Saviour. He was a living [sic] father, very conscientious in the material and spiritual needs of his family, daily praying that his life and theirs might bring honor and glory to God.

On Feb. 1, 1969 Roland found it necessary to supplement his farming income so he began a job as a mechanic, which brought a new life for the family. On Feb. 1, 1971 we were discussing what kind of a new life this year would bring. It was with much joy and anticipation that we were going to begin a Grade A dairy on that day, but the Heavenly Father had other plans, because on Feb. 1 he took Roland into His glory through an accident. We sorrow greatly, but we are committing ourselves and our needs to the Heavenly Father.

Roland leaves to mourn his wife, Joan, one daughter, Lorraine, 15, and three sons, Richard, 13, Philip, 12, and Russell, 8; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Schmidt of Corn; two sisters, Elsie, Mrs. Marvin Vogt of Corn, and Verna, Mrs. Leo Harms, Weatherford; one brother, Milton A. Schmidt, of Oklahoma City; his parents-in-law, Rev. and Mrs. John W. Gossen, Balko; five sister-in-law and six brothers-in-law; his grandmother, Mrs. Anna Martin, and a host of relatives and friends.