Schmutz, Albert D. (1888-1975)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 27 Feb 1975 p. 8

Birth date: 1888

text of obituary:

Newton and Vicinity

Word was received here that Albert D. Schmutz of Stockton, Calif. died Feb. 12 at the age of 87. A native of Halstead, Mr. Schmutz at one time was an instructor of piano, organ and choral work at Bethel and Tabor colleges. In 1928 he became organ and piano instructor at Emporia State College, retiring to Stockton in 1958. He was the first instructor of choral music at the National Music Camp, Interlochen, Mich., and continued on the staff there until age 85. Funeral services were held Feb. 17 at the First United Methodist Church, Stockton, followed by burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia. Survivors include a son, Alvin, of New Haven, Ind.; two grandsons; and a sister, Clara Schmutz of the Bethel Home for Aged, Newton.

---

biographical sketch from Bethel Collegian 1925 Mar 4 (vol. 4, no. 25)

MEET DEAN SCHMUTZ, DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC—AUTHOR OF ALMA MATER

In a previous year the "Bethel Collegian" presented to its readers short biographical ksetches of the faculty members of Bethel college. A number of new members have since been added to the force, so a series of articles will appear now to make our readers better acquainted with them. Watch this corner next week!

Bethel College now boasts of a music department equal to or superior to that of any of the other smaller colleges in this part of the state. The department is represented by four strong members of the musical profession: 1. Prof. Duff Middleton, of Wichita, who teaches violin; 2. Prof. John Thut; vocal instructor, 3. Prof. W. H. Hohman, instructor in piano; and 4. Prof. A. D. Schmutz, head of the Music Department.

Many people seem to have the conception that professional musicians are a "high-flutin' stuck-up set," but here is where they are mistaken. One of the jolliest and most sociable men of the Bethel College faculty is Prof. A. D. Schmutz, Dean of the Department of Music. His congeniality, good sense of humor, and the sympathetic nature make him very popular with students who work under his supervision.

Born on a farm northwest of Halstead, on October 11, 1887, little Albert Schmutz shared the experiences of a farm boy until the age of fifteen. He received the foundation of his training in an ordinary country school, where he diligently performed his tasks.

In the summer of 1902