Schmidt, Merlin Lee 1925-2015

SCHMIDT, SORENSEN, KLARE, BARRETT, SLEDZ, HILDRETH

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 1/7/2016 at 06:41:06

Merlin (Mert) L. Schmidt, 90, of Clinton, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2015 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics – Iowa City, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral Services will be 11:00AM, Friday, October 23, 2015 at Saint Paul Lutheran Church – Clinton including a pre-funeral visitation at 10:00AM. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00PM at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery.

Merlin Lee Schmidt was born on August 31, 1925 on a farm near Toronto, Iowa, the son of Peter and Susie (Sorensen) Schmidt. He graduated from Lyons High School in 1943. He then enlisted in the United States Navy serving in World War II as a Torpedoman 2nd class from 1943 to 1946. In 2010, Mert traveled to Washington, DC with his brothers Delbert and Lelon, and their cousin George Williams, on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.

Following his military service, Merlin met the love of his life Lois Klare and they were married on September 19, 1948 at Saint Paul Lutheran Church. The couple enjoyed 67 years of marriage and raised their three sons in Clinton, Iowa. Merlin held his family in the highest regard leaving a legacy of honor and dignity that will endure for generations.

Mert lived a life of service and dedication to his church and community. He was an active member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church and regularly served on the Church Council and as a committee chairperson. He also served as an active board member of the ARCH for nearly 20 years. Mert committed his working days to DuPont for 37 years before retiring in 1985.

Merlin was a loving husband and father. He cherished his three boys and their families.

Mert is survived by his wife of 67 years: Lois of Clinton; three sons: Larry (Veling) Schmidt of Clinton, Jerry (Lisa) Schmidt of Warrensburg, Missouri, and David (Christie Barrett) Schmidt of Kansas City, Missouri; six grandchildren: Solomon (Tara) Schmidt, Sara Schmidt, Monica Schmidt, Samuel (Alita Sledz) Schmidt, Thomas (Priscilla) Schmidt, and Tyler Schmidt (Molly Hildreth); and two great-grandchildren: Tate & Taylor Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Doris; two brothers, Delbert & Lelon; and his granddaughter Alice.

Serving as pallbearers: Tom Schmidt, Tyler Schmidt, Sam Schmidt, Solomon Schmidt, Mike Schmidt and Doug Schmidt. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www.snellzornig.com.

Memorials can be made to the Elevator Fund at Saint Paul Lutheran Church.