Schmitz, Thomas Joseph (1946 - 2026)

SCHMITZ, LYNAM, SMITH, PETSCHE, PUCKETT, MALONE, ALTMAN, LEINEN, THOMSEN

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 2/26/2026 at 15:31:13

Name of deceased: Thomas Joseph Schmitz

Aged: 79 yrs, 8 mo, 5 days

Residence: Harlan, IA

Born: June 6, 1946; Panama, Shelby County, IA

Died: Feb. 11, 2026; Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Funeral services: Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026; St. Michael's Catholic Church, Harlan, IA; burial was in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Harlan, IA

Survived by: Wife of 57 years, Beverly Schmitz of Harlan, IA; children, Tamara (spouse, Christopher) Lynam of Overland Park, KS, Becky Schmitz (spouse, Jonathan) Smith of Durham, NC, and Mark (spouse, Jill) Schmitz of Panama, IA; siblings, Margaret “Peg” Petsche of Portsmouth, IA, Patricia (spouse, Fred) Puckett of Greely, CO, Lolita Malone of Audubon, IA, and Janet (spouse, Don) Altman of Golden, CO; 8 grandchildren; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Vincent Schmitz and Dolores (nee Leinen) Schmitz; brother, William Schmitz

Education: Attended school in Panama, IA from grade school until high school graduation. After graduating, he attended a 2-year technical school in Des Moines, IA and 2 years of classes at Iowa State University, Ames, IA, studying electronics and electrical engineering

Religious affiliation: Baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Panama, IA

Military service: Enlisted into the U. S. Army from 1968 to 1971

Marriage: Beverly Sue Thomsen; Dec. 28, 1968; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Panama, IA

Employment: Farmer

Hobbies/Interests: Enjoyed collecting antique tractors, watching NASCAR, playing dominos, enjoying red licorice, attending church, playing cards and board games, and following his grandchildren’s activities and spending time with family. Tom’s last few years of his life will be remembered by his dedication to caring for and showing his love to his wife, Bev, as she battled Alzheimer’s.

Sources: kjan.com; knodfm.com; pauleyjones.com