Schmitt, Richard W. "Dick" (1928-2005)

SCHMITT, STILLE, SOBOWALE, BLEE, LUTTER, NORRIS, WALDO, JOHANNESEN

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 2/19/2010 at 21:01:38

Richard W. “Dick” Schmitt - Jan. 28, 1928 - Sept. 7, 2005

Richard W. “Dick” Schmitt, age 77, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died September 7, 2005, at his home.

Dick was born January 28, 1928, on a farm near Alta, Iowa, to Frank L. and Ann Catherine Schmitt. He attended rural country school at Maple Valley Numbers 6 and 7, grade school at Storm Lake St. Mary’s, spent his freshman year at Fairview, and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Storm Lake in 1946. He worked on the family farm for one and one-half years, and during the winters of 1946, 1947 and 1948 on the loading dock of Hygrade (now Tyson Foods). In 1949 and 1950, he worked in construction for Stedwell and Anderson of Storm Lake.

On April 14, 1951, Dick was united in marriage to Kathleen J. Stille. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters: Stephanie, Stacy and Sandra.

In March of 1951, Dick began working for Iowa Public Service Company (now Midwest Energy) as a laborer paid at $1.04 per hour. He worked in Cherokee as a truck driver for three months and then as a serviceman in Storm Lake for five months. He became a service lineman on the city truck, then lineman, crew foreman and finally crew supervisor. He retired in June of 1990.

Dick was a devoted husband and father, and he had a strong sense of community. On January 1, 1961, he began his service on the Storm Lake City Council, which ended 24 years later. He served on the Planning and Zoning Board, and on the Harold Rowley Recycling Center Board as a representative of the city, a position he still held. Dick was a volunteer fireman for 13 years, starting as engineer and retiring in 1963 as Assistant Chief. He was a member of the Kiwanis Beavers. Dick was a faithful member of Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake, serving on various boards and as usher and Elder.

He enjoyed his woodworking shop, repairing and building many items, among them furniture and toys. He will be remembered as one who gave freely of his time and energy for the good of his community. His family will treasure his memory and miss him dearly.

Survivors include his wife of more than 54 years, Kathleen, of Storm Lake; daughters: Dr. Stephanie Schmitt and husband Dr. Olu Sobowale of Lakeland, Florida; Stacy Blee of Waseca, Minnesota; and Sandra Schmitt of Storm Lake. His memory will also be cherished by his granddaughters, Alyssa and Alanna Blee, and Femi Sobowale; as well as by two grandsons, Funso and Funmi Sobowale.

He is further survived by his sisters: Veronica (Mrs. Merritt Lutter) of Des Moines, Iowa; Mary Norris of Lacey, Washington; and Dorothy (Mrs. Fran Waldo) of Canyon Lake, Texas; brothers: Donald and wife Betty Schmitt of Storm Lake; James and wife Phyllis Schmitt of Alta; Charles Schmitt of California and Joseph Schmitt of Petaluma, California; sisters-in-law: Ellen (Mrs. Henry) Stille of Decorah, Iowa, and Karen (Mrs. Gordon) Johannesen of Alta; brother-in-law Gerald and his wife Carolyn Stille of Schaller, Iowa; as well as many extended family members and a host of friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, September 10, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake with Reverend Duane Queen officiating. Burial will be in the E & R Cemetery in rural Schaller. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Friends may call at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake on Friday, September 9, 2005, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. where the family will be present.

Copyright © 2005, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home
 

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