Lester F. SchmidtLester F. Schmidt, 76, passed away Sunday (Feb. 17, 2008). Until his last few months, he lived his entire life on a farm five miles north of Newton before moving to Schowalter Villa and then to Bethesda Home, where he lost his battle with cancer.
He was a member of the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, where he sang in the choir and men's chorus and served on the Deacon's Board and as an usher for many years. He also was a member of the Kansas Mennonite Men's Chorus for 25 years and the Lion's Club. He was very active in the yearly Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) sale for 20 years.
On Sept. 12, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Esther Boese, and in September 2001, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends.
Lester and his brother, Randolph, had a farming partnership, and most of Lester's days were spent with the dairy production. He was a board member of the Harvey County Milk Haulers Association and also was on the State Board Dairy Herd Improvement Association.
Lester leaves behind a family that will forever remember his patience, sense of humor, and love for his family and church. Those that mourn his passing, but celebrate his life, are his wife, Esther; four daughters, Gail Lauri and husband, Harry, of Olathe, Barbara Van Slyke and husband, Tom, of Manhattan, Debbie Schrag and husband, Dave, of Goessel, and Joann Adams and husband, Dave, of Benbrook, Texas; eight grandchildren; brother, Randolph Schmidt; two sisters, Alda Wedel and Sophie Brown; and many family members and friends.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home in Goessel, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m.
Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church Cemetery in Goessel, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to MCC or Bethesda Home in care of the funeral home, 303 Main, Goessel, KS 67053.
