Schmidt, Delbert 1922-2014

SCHMIDT, SORENSEN, STENDER, KIRST

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 11/14/2014 at 19:34:07

Delbert “Del” Schmidt, age 92, of Des Moines, formerly of Clinton, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at the Central Iowa V.A. Hospital in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, October 27, 2014 at the Pape Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, October 26th at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Casket bearers will be grandsons; Thomas and Andrew Kirst, Michl and Martin Schmidt and nephews; Larry and Mike Schmidt and J.C. Stender.

Del was born in Lost Nation on March 15, 1922, the son of Peter A. and Susie (Sorensen) Schmidt. He graduated from Lyons High in 1940. Following his graduation he helped in the construction of the Schick Army Hospital. Del served his country during W.W. II by serving with the 10th Air Corps, 54th Service Group in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India Theater. During his time in the service Del traveled around the world. He married Betty C. Stender on August 11, 1946 in Clinton. Betty passed away on November 30, 1991.

Del was employed with Upton Body Shop and later for 36 years at McEleney Motors where he served as Body Shop Manager for 25 years, retiring in 1984. He was a member of Community Congregational Church, charter member of the Fulton Country Club, the Oakville Country Club in Mt. Carroll, Board of Directors of Oakland Cemetery and the former Odeon Club where he had served as the Association’s President. He also served two terms as the 6th ward councilmen on the Clinton City Council and on the Advisory Board of Scott Community College’s trade school. Del was an avid golfer who had made three holes-in-one. He had built three homes, enjoyed woodworking and wintering in Phoenix. He was able to participate in the 2011 Honor Flight to Washington DC.

Del is survived by two children; Douglas (Anne) Schmidt of Clinton and Gail (Daniel) Kirst of Des Moines; six grandchildren, Thomas and Andrew Kirst, Major Martin Schmidt, and Michl, Kristy and Katie Schmidt; five great grandchildren, Christian, Frankie, Hannah, Caleb and Morgan with a 6th great grandson on the way and his brother, Merlin (Lois) Schmidt of Clinton. He was also survived by a very dear friend, Jean Marzu of Phoenix, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a great granddaughter, Macenna; a brother, Lelon and a sister, Doris. Memorials may be left to the Quad City Honor Flights. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.