Harold Henry Schmidt 1926-2013

SCHMIDT, WACKERBARTH, GUETSCHOW, SCHALL, ILLG

Posted By: Darcy Schultz - volunteer (email)
Date: 5/30/2013 at 19:57:47

In loving memory of

Harold H. Schmidt
Born ~ February 13, 1926
Died ~ April 17, 2013
Age ~ 87 years 2 months 4 days

Harold Henry Schmidt, second child of Albert and Gertrude (Wackerbarth) Schmidt, was born February 13, 1926 on the home place three miles west and one half south of Melvin, Iowa. He was a pupil at Goewey # 8 country school through eighth grade and then attended Melvin High School graduating in 1943.

Uncle Sam called in 1945 and the next 18 months belonged to the army, most of that time spent with occupation forces stationed in Korea. Following discharge, he returned home to the family farm.

On November 11, 1951 Harold married Barbara Guetschow, formerly of Gaza, Iowa, at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. The following May, the couple moved to the Wackerbarth home place four and three fourths miles north of Sanborn, where they resided for sixty-one years. Four children eventually joined the family. During his long farming career, Harold never ceased to derive enjoyment from the growing cycle; the tasks associated with planting, growing and harvesting brought him great satisfaction. He was baptized and confirmed in the American Lutheran Church of Melvin, where, over the years he was active in Brotherhood, Church Council and taught Sunday school. He was a lifelong Melvin Legion member and served terms on the boards of Sanborn Co-op Elevator and the Sanborn Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by his sister Vera (1924), parents Albert (1968) and Gertie (1987), younger brother Raymond (2003) and wife Barbara (2012).

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Fay (Bob) Schall of Primghar, Paula Schmidt of Sanborn, Ann (Patrick) Illg of Urbandale, Lee Schmidt of Sanborn; two grandsons, Sam and Joe Illg also of Urbandale; brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Harold will always be remembered for his love of family and farming, never failing trust in God, ready sense of humor and ability to fall asleep anywhere, anytime.

Visitation on Friday, April 19, 2013
4:00 PM until 7:00 PM
Sanborn Funeral Home Chapel
401 Main St.
Sanborn, IA 51248

Funeral Service
10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013
American Lutheran Church
352 Center St.
Melvin, Iowa

Clergy ~ Rev. Judith Johnson
Pianist ~ Starla Reitsma
Congregational Singing
“Praise To The Lord” #543
“Beautiful Savior” #518
“This Is My Fathers World” #554

Pallbearers
Lee Schmidt Sam Illg Joe Illg
Todd Juber Stan Schmidt Mark Schmidt

Ushers
Larry & Becky Hennings

Military Graveside Rites by
Guthrie Post #470
Melvin, Iowa

Interment
Baker Township Cemetery
Melvin, Iowa

Obit from Sanborn Funeral Home, Sanborn, IA