Funeral service for John Schmidt was held April 8 at First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg. The Rev. Lana Williams officiated. Inurnment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Emmetsburg.
John Edward Schmidt, son of Elmer and Lorna (Hemmingson) Schmidt, was born August 16, 1941 in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He received his education in Emmetsburg, graduating from Emmetsburg High School in 1959. Following high school John continued his education at Emmetsburg Junior College.
On October 28, 1961 John was united in marriage to Jane McEwan. They were blessed with three children. John enjoyed taking the kids hunting, snowmobiling, swimming, four wheeling, and to sporting events. Indian Beach Resort in Spicer, Minnesota was a favorite yearly summer vacation.
John was employed at Beebe’s Clothing Store, later Jensvold Motors, and then became advertising salesperson for Emmetsburg Publishing Company while working his way to general manager where he served at that position for forty years.
John married Shirley (Burkard) Zitterich on December 13, 1990. They enjoyed traveling together, taking motorcycle trips, spending time at their lake cabin and wintering in Texas, following John’s retirement.
John served on the Emmetsburg Economic Development Board and was instrumental in getting POET and Wild Rose Casino in Emmetsburg. He was a member of the Iowa Great Lakes Road Riders, the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce, SCORE and Jaycees. John also was a supporter of the Estherville Treatment Center and volunteered at the Palo Alto County Hospital. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg. He also served as president for the library board for many years.
John was a devoted member of A.A. and was proud of the fact that he would have received his 40 year coin on June 12, 2023. He spoke at various treatment centers and meetings in the area and was always willing to help those beginning the journey to sobriety, whether through a late night call or a ride to treatment. It was truly a passion for John to help anyone he could.
John had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed the fun and conversation that went along with having coffee with his friends. He also liked to give telemarketers a hard time when they called him. John’s vehicles, including the motorcycles, were always spotless inside and out. His yard was mowed to perfection and nothing was ever out of place.
John passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2023 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lorna Schmidt; an infant son, Joseph; and a brother, Jim.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his children, Vikki of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Matthew (Carla) of Morton, Illinois; grandchildren and great grandson, Joe (Danica) and their son, John of Payette, Idaho, Rian and Broc of Morton, Illinois; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
