SCHMIDT, Willis D. 1925-2009

SCHMIDT, FERCH, LITTERER

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 8/21/2009 at 12:35:13

CHARLES CITY, IOWA - Willis D. Schmidt, 83, of 705 8th Ave., Charles City, died Wednesday afternoon, August 19, 2009, at Floyd County Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 S. Main St., Charles City, with the Rev. Dennis Niezwaag officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at Sunnyside Memory Gardens, Charles City.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. today, Friday at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt, Charles City and again one hour prior to services at the church. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make memorial contributions to Willis D. Schmidt. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com

Willis was born on September 20, 1925, near Nashua in Chickasaw County, the son of Otto R. and Bertha Ida (Ferch) Schmidt. He graduated from the rural school system. Prior to his military service he met his future wife while both were actors in a play. They also enjoyed rollerskating.

On June 22, 1944, he was united in marriage to Helen Litterer and they were married in the home of Helen's parents. To this union four children were born. Willis was also baptized and confirmed at the Nashua United Church of Christ in Nashua. He served his country in the Army from 1945 until his honorable discharge in 1947. He served in Germany.

Upon his return, he and Helen lived all their married lives in Charles City where he was an Inspector for White Farm for 35 years. Willis enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers. They played card games of all types and camping. Helen and Willis attended Blue Grass Festivals, traveling and spending time with the family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Willis enjoyed going up North for fishing trips and was known as a practical joker.

Willis was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, a life member of Post 3914 of the VFW, the senior center and 1315 of the UAW union.

Those thankful in sharing Willis's life include his wife Helen of 65 years; two daughters, Beverly, and her husband, Elmer Reints, of Shellrock; and Gloria, and her husband, Jack Hulbert, of Charles City; one son, Gary, and his wife, Cathy Schmidt, of Marble Rock; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren along with eight sisters-in-law, Dorothy, Judith, Margaret, and Lois Schmidt and Leona Howe, Dorothy Schmidt, Ruby (Bob) Obermier and Tilleen Litterer.

His parents, an infant son, Bryan, two sisters, Lucille Roth, and Glendora "Curly" Ouderkerk; seven brothers, Lloyd, Lawrence, Melvin, Harlan, Otto Jr., Clarence, and Raymond, along with brothers-in-law, Clarence Litterer and Alton Howe preceded Willis in death.

Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt, Charles City, 641-228-4211. www.fullertonfh.com

[Published in the Globe Gazette online, 8/21/2009]