Edward Charles Schmitt, 76, of West Union, Iowa died Saturday, April 18, 2020 at UnityPoint Health Trinity Rock Island General hospital in Rock Island, Illinois. His death was the result of lingering complications from a car accident in October of 2018 when another driver, distracted on their phone, failed to yield.
Ed was born on Thursday, March 23, 1944 in New Hampton, Iowa to Edward Peter and Margaret Philomena (Blong) Schmitt. The oldest of two boys he and his brother Allen spent their youth fishing, attending mass, and helping out on their parents’ and neighboring relatives’ farms about St. Lucas, Iowa. To many, he went simply by Ed but his parents fondly nicknamed him Sonny. A devoted son, he continued to help his parents about the farm beyond his graduation from St. Luke’s High School. From there on, he enlisted to serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge, Ed attended and graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
On February 14, 1977 Ed was united in marriage with Lola Billington in Cresco, Iowa. Three children were later born to this union. Although Ed and Lola later separated in 2009 and recently divorced, they remained friends. So much so that in Ed’s final hours she was at his side, upon his request, and he would have been surrounded by his remaining family, if it were not due to current hospital restrictions.
In life, for many years Ed was an Assistant Chief of Police for Cresco, Iowa, and Chief of Police in Chester, Iowa. Even after his retirement, he was a hardworking father who always strived to make sure his children were provided for and kept safe. He was an avid reader, loved watching NASCAR races, and enjoyed playing cards. In his days during service, he was a skilled pool shark who sent portions of his winning back home to his parents. He was also a talented cribbage player. But most of all he had a way of telling the funniest stories of his past experiences while serving, on the job as a cop and of his friends and family long since pasted.
Ed is survived by his children, Carolyn Schmitt of Clarence, Iowa, Edward Jacob Schmitt of West Union, Iowa, and Adam Joseph Schmitt of West Union, Iowa. His four grandchildren, Kahlei and Alyssa Schmitt of Jacob Schmitt and Erin Johnson-Scherf. Ella Harper and Olivia Schmitt of Adam and Monica (Harper) Schmitt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret Schmitt; and his younger brother, Rev. Allen Mitchel Schmitt.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 11:30am at St. Luke Catholic Church, St. Lucas, Iowa. The Rev. Nick Radloff will be the celebrant.
Visitation will be held one hour before mass time at the church.
Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in St. Luke Cemetery, St. Lucas, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family.