Obituary of Harold Schmidt

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. In loving memory of Harold H. Schmidt Born ~ February 13, 1926 Died ~ April 17, 2013 Age ~ 87 years 2 months 4 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013 American Lutheran Church 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