Junia Paul Schmidt, 96, of Hesston, Kansas, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the Newton Medical Center. He was born on the family farm in rural Marion County, Kansas on October
20, 1928, to Frank and Rachel (Jantz) Schmidt.
He graduated from the Bethel Academy in North Newton with the class of 1946.
Junia grew up in the Friedenstal Mennonite Church in rural Tampa, Kansas, later attending the Central Heights Mennonite Church. Junia was a current member of the Faith Mennonite Church
in Newton. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School.
Junia was working as an aide in the Connecticut State Hospital for his 1-W service when he met Doris Flebeau. They were united in marriage on February 19, 1955 in Middletown, Connecticut.
Junia and Doris shared 67 years of marriage until her passing on August 12, 2022.
He was a livestock and crop farmer, and later worked at Hesston Corporation as Quality Control for over 25 years until his retirement.
Music was very important to Junia. He was a member of the Kansas Mennonite Men?s Chorus and sang in a men?s quartet for most of his adult life.
Junia is survived by his five daughters, Laurel (Karl) Louderbaugh of Yates Center, Carol (Monty) John of Winfield, Patricia (Randall) Stauffer of Hesston, Cynthia Payton of Omaha, NE, and
Paula Martin of Milford, NE; eleven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Elfrieda Rempel; brother, Arelie Schmidt; and sons-in-law, David Payton and Troy Martin.
Cremation is planned with memorial services at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at Schowalter Villa Chapel, Hesston. Family will greet friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21,
at the Schowalter Villa Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harvey County Habitat for Humanity or Hesston EMS in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, P.O. Box 32, Hesston, KS 67062.
