Del Robert Schmitt

Del Robert Schmitt, 90, of West Union, Iowa died Monday, March 31, 2025. Del was born April 15, 1934, in St. Lucas, Iowa, son of Mat E. and Celia M. (Blong) Schmitt. He entered the United States Army on Sept. 10, 1956 and served 2 years. After returning from the Army Del married his lifelong love Shirley Ann (Ott) Schmitt, at St. Luke’s Church, St. Lucas, Iowa, on April 23, 1960. It is with heavy hearts and deep appreciation for a life well-lived, we honor the passing of Del, who left us 15 days short of 91. He was a man whose kindness and joy touched the lives of all who knew him. His legacy will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and the farming community. A dedicated and social farmer, Del spent his life tending to the land and animals with unwavering care. His deep love for the farm was only matched by his love for the people around him. His quick wit and sense of humor brought laughter to every room, and it was rare to visit him without being invited to a friendly game of cards, where he always assumed the role of the scorekeeper, keeping track with impressive precision. His thumbs up of approval, accompanied by a wink and a smirk, became a familiar and comforting gesture to those who knew him well. One of Del’s greatest joys in life was attending his beloved grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. Del never missed a chance to support and celebrate his family’s achievements. His enthusiastic spirit, unwavering encouragement, and love will be deeply missed. Beyond his skills as a farmer and card player, Del was a man of remarkable faith. His strong belief in God guided him throughout his life, and his final days were filled with prayer, surrounded by loved ones. He was a testament to the strength of faith, family, and love. In his earlier years, Del cherished travel with family and friends, embarking on trips that brought him into contact with wonderful people. Along the way, he formed lasting friendships that enriched his life even further. He even was talking about taking a trip to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. Seems he decided to take the trip on his own to reunite with those he loved that went before him. Many farmers and people from all walks of life knew and respected Del not just for his work on the land but also for the warmth, generosity, and humor he shared with everyone he met. His memory will live on in the fields he worked in, the cards he played, and the lives he touched. He leaves behind a loving family and countless friends, all of whom will forever carry with them the spirit of his kind heart, his unwavering faith, and his infectious laughter. Rest in peace, Del. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Del is survived by his loving wife of almost sixty-five years, Shirley (Ott) Schmitt of Clive, Iowa; daughters, Karen (Don) Schroeder, Terri (Bob) Gerleman, Sherri (Craig) Anfinson, Barb (Clayton) Condit, and Jean (Phil) Sims; grandchildren and their spouses; Jordan (Jenny) Schroeder, Nicole (Schroeder) and Matt Kennedy, Jared Schroeder (friend, Brooke Schaben), Kayla (Gerleman) and Keagan Johnson and their children Karson, Kameron, and Klaire, Kyle (Hannah) Gerleman and their children, Will and Halle, Keaton (Olivia) Anfinson and their children, Bowen, Brooks, and Hayes, Marisa Anfinson, Rachel (Anfinson) & Carter Senechal and their child, Wayne, Austin Anfinson, Alix & Sydnee Condit and Allison and Madison Sims. The extended family includes a sister, Fran (Fred) Hemesath; a brother, Dan Schmitt; sisters-in-law Doris Ott, Laurie Ott, and Mary (Greg) Whitmore; brothers-in-law, Ken (Carol) Ott and Jim (Dawn) Ott; and numerous nieces and nephews. Those who preceded Del in passing include his son, Thomas; parents, Mat and Celia; siblings, Bernie Schmitt and Sr. Gracia Schmitt; sister-in-law, Victoria Schmitt and Inez Schmitt; parents-in-law, John and Margaret Ott; in-laws, Steve Ott, Don Ott, Jean and Mary Ann Ott (sister-in-law), and Floyd Ott; as well as beloved nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, April 4, 2025 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, Iowa. There will also be a one-hour visitation before Mass at the church on Saturday. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 am on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, Iowa with Rev. Nick Radloff as the officiant. Interment with Military Rites will follow at the St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery in St. Lucas, Iowa. Cards and memorials may be sent to: Shirley Schmitt 12655 Woodlands Pkwy #314 Clive IA 50325 Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with services.

Del Robert Schmitt

April 15, 1934 - March 31, 2025