Norman G. Schmidt, 73, of Newton, Kansas, was called to his Heavenly home, Friday, Jan. 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 Oct. 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, Jan. 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.
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