Norman G. Schmidt
1947 - 2021
Norman G. Schmidt, 73, of Newton,
Kansas, was called to his Heavenly home, Friday, January 22, 2021, at
Newton Medical Center. He was born April 20, 1947 at Bethesda
Hospital in Goessel, Kansas. Norman was the second child of four
boys, to Jacob and Laura (Schroeder) Schmidt; Vernon, Norman, DeWane,
and Larry. He grew up on a farm outside "behind" Goessel
and attended school in Goessel. He was active in 4H, FFA, and sports.
His freshman year of high school, Norman met Esther "Patsy"
Serviss, the love of his life. They married on October 7, 1966 and
celebrated fifty-four years of marriage together, working towards
their fifty-fifth.
Through this union they had two
daughters, Linnae (Timothy) VanSickle of Topeka, and Anngela Schmidt
of Newton; three grandchildren, Makaila Schmidt, Matthew and Ethan
VanSickle. They were also parents to their niece, Denise Parker;
adopted daughter, Kendra Guhr (Pratt); and several foreign exchange
students; Hessie Westra, Sarah Kilberg, Esben Tvede-Rasmussen,
Charlotte Chan and Mayuko Kanda. Also surviving are his brothers,
Larry (Kela) Schmidt and Vernon Schmidt, both of Newton.
Norman was preceded in death by his
parents; and brother, DeWane Schmidt.
Before his marriage, Norman worked at
Hesston Corporation. He took two years off for 1-W service in Topeka
as an aide at the Menninger Foundation and did janitorial duties at
Stormont-Vail Hospital. After that, they returned to Goessel-Newton
area and he resumed work at Hesston Corporation. In 1993, he accepted
a position as grounds/maintenance/custodial for Goessel High School.
He worked at the school until his retirement in 2009. He really
enjoyed his time there, interacting with the staff and especially the
students.
During his employment with Goessel High
School, Norman was on the Board for the Goessel Fire Department for
30 years, and held positions on the Board of Education of USD 411 and
as Goessel City Council Member.
After his wife retired in2012, they
enjoyed several bus tours and in 2018, they decided to downsize and
move to Newton.
Norman enjoyed flying RC planes,
refinishing clocks and furniture, showing his 1964 Falcon and 1965
Ranchero at car shows, and remodeling the places they lived; but his
real passion was working with wood. He was an expert wood craftsman
who built many pieces of furniture and knick-knacks for his family
and friends.
He had many friends and never knew a
stranger and was always willing to lend a hand whenever needed. He
was a very compassionate man and a wonderful role model for his
children and grandchildren.
In the past year, he experienced
numerous health challenges that took a took on his body, but through
all of this, his faith remained strong.
As a close-knit family, we have many,
many wonderful memories of him as a husband, father, brother, and
grandfather. Through laughter and tears, he was and always will be a
strong, loving presence in our lives and will be greatly missed.
Friends may pay their respects to
Norman from 3 to 7 p. m., Friday, January 29, 2021 at Miller-Ott
Funeral Home, Hesston, where family will be present from 5:30 to 7:00
p. m. Those attending are encouraged to use social distancing and
wear their masks.
A celebration of life service will be
announced and held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be
made to Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Miller-Ott Funeral
Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, KS 67062.
