Albert A. Schmidt

Albert A. Schmidt, 94, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 18, 2012 surrounded by his children. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 22, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elkhart. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 21, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Albert was born October 16, 1917, the 7th child of George and Thereisa Schmidt on a farm near Elkhart, Iowa. He farmed in the Elkhart area his entire life. Albert married the love of his life Helen McClavy on January 12, 1952. To this union 4 children were born; Deborah, Edward, Michael and Christine.

Albert was an Ankeny High class of 1936 graduate. Albert played football 4 years for Ankeny. All years the team was undefeated. After high school he went on to play semi-pro for the Des Moines Comets and Fiddlers, traveling all over the Midwest. While playing semi-pro, former president Ronald Regan was the sports announcer. Albert was drafted to play for the Chicago Titans. However, his friends and neighbors selected him to serve his country in the US Army from March 24, 1941 thru December 8, 1945. He proudly served in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign.

Albert enjoyed being around family and close friends. He attended his children's and grandchildren's school and sporting events. Friday nights were reserved for the Friday Night Club. The nine neighborhood children enjoyed spending time with him, he considered them to be his honorary grandchildren.

Albert will be missed by his children: Debi (Al) Stokka, Cambridge, IA; Ed (Deb) Schmidt, Ames, IA; Mike Schmidt, Billings, MT; Chris (Paul) Schmidt, Laurel, IA. Grandchildren: Shannon Clayton (Randy Kochanowicz), Julia Schmidt (Nate Eggebrecht), Nicole Schmidt (Neal Smith), Tyler Schmidt (Lisa Eppert), Michael Schmidt, Ethan Schmidt and Albert Schmidt. He also had 2 great grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 7 step great grandchildren. He had many nieces and nephews. Also special friends the Mike Olesen family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Fr. Dan Krettek for his kind words and presence. Special thanks to the Sunny View Care Center Staff for the care they provided to Albert.

A special thanks to the Friday Night Club for spending the time with him and Helen.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.