Marvin Schmidt peacefully completed his earthly journey October 11, at Bethel Home, Montezuma, Kan., surrounded by family.
Marvin, born March 12, 1934, in Grady County, Okla., was the firstborn of 10 children to Fred and Lephine Sebrant Schmidt. Death was the result of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He reached the age of 91 years.
Marvin’s boyhood was marked by playful interaction with his siblings. He received his first four years of education at West Valley View and his second four years at Meridian Grade School.
Living meagerly in the 1930’s and 40’s awakened and enhanced the in-born innovative talent he possessed. During his teenage years he worked for area farmers as a farm hand. Instilled in his being, from his father, was a deep sense of responsibility for his employers. Punctuality, hard work and diligence were a testimony of his values. They became lifelong traits.
Upon the confession of his faith and the New Birth, Marvin was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite January 29, 1950, by Minister Edd Unruh. His spirituality never expressed a “shadow of turning” from God or The Church.
Two years of 1-W Service was given at a mental hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. By frugally saving his unit monthly allowance, he purchased a new 1955 Ford car.
After returning home, Marvin was married to Helen Louise Redger at Cimarron, Kan., by Minister Samuel Jantzen July 29, 1956. To this union was born three sons and one daughter.
After residing in Chickasha, Okla., for a short while, they moved to western Kansas where he was employed at Big Bow, Kan., Gano Farms, Southwest Seed Services, and Young Farms. Father and mother shared 43 years of joyful married life, raising their family and making a living. All too soon, September 23, 1999, mother passed away leaving dad lonely.
Three years later, September 8, 2002, Marvin was married to Sharon Louise Koehn, Copeland, Kan., by Minister Sam Unruh, Jr. Marrying into a large family gave much opportunity to expand his social relationships.
We all deeply cherished his wit and humor, but most importantly his quiet disposition and steadfastness will always be a guiding beacon for our lives.
Left to mourn his cherished memories are his wife, Sharon, Montezuma, Marlin and Anne Schmidt, Ulysses, Angela and Rodney Self, Harvard, Idaho, and Oren and Janolla Schmidt, Potlatch, Idaho; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Schmidt, Powderly, Texas; grandchildren: David, Preston, Mahlon, Cameron, Nolan, Beth, Trey, Shayla and Drew; great-grandchildren, Oliver, Anne, Edward, Adele, Charlotte, Nelle, Rocky, Blaze, Greyson, Jayda Mae, and Cazz; and siblings: Clayton Schmidt, Elsie Mae Unruh, and Roy Schmidt.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Fred and Lephine; wife, Helen; in 2023, his son, Phillip, died unexpectedly; and siblings: Vernon Schmidt, Eldon Schmidt, Ruby Unruh, Oscar Schmidt, Arthur Schmidt, and Norma Jean Koehn.
Visitation took place from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 14, at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.
Funeral service was at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 15, at Grant Mennonite Church in rural Grant County, with Ministers Denton Koehn, Stuart Jantzen and Karlan Koehn officiating.
Interment followed at Grant Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Memory service was at 7 p.m., at Grant Mennonite Church.
Memorial contributions may be given to Bethel Home in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
