Eldon 'Chick' Schmidt
Eldon "Chick"
Schmidt, 80, died Tuesday (July 11, 2006) at Schowalter Villa in Hesston. He
was born Aug. 31, 1925, to Elizabeth and William Schmidt in Goessel. He was the
youngest and last survivor of five children. He had one brother, George
Schmidt, and three sisters, Esther Schmidt, Susie Hershberger and Ruby Epp.
Chick grew up on a farm near Moundridge. He married Luella Schmidt April 23,
1949. Chick's working experience included working for the then known Hesston Manufacturing
Co., Hesco and Mid Continent Cabinetry. He excelled in maintaining machinery
and creating parts. Chick's mind never stopped analyzing machinery and creating
solutions. He loved tinkering in his shop, whether it was at home in his garage
or in his later years in the woodworking room. He was always a
"maintenance man." Chick loved people and always tried to give them
the gift of humor.
Chick and Lu's family
includes: Mary Jantz and her children, Tricia and Josh Jantz; Janice Kirsch,
her husband Mike and their children Lauren, Shauna, Courtney and Carley Kirsch;
and Janet Freeman and her husband Craig.
Family visitation will be
from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.
A memorial service for
Schowalter Villa residents will be 4 p.m. Saturday.
The memorial service at
Whitestone Mennonite Church will be 4 p.m. Sunday.
A private family inurnment
will be held.
Memorials have been
established with the Schowalter Villa West Renovation Project in care of the
funeral home.
