Del Robert Schmitt, 90, of Clive, Iowa, formally West Union, Iowa, died, March 31, 2025. A life well-lived, 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.
Tending to the land and animals with unwavering care. Del’s 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. 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 loved to support and celebrate his family’s achievements. Del’s 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. 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. Enjoy your travels, Del. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Del is survived by his loving wife, 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) & Matt Kennedy, Jared Schroeder (friend Brooke Schaben), Kayla (Gerleman) & Keagan, Karson, Kameron, Klaire Johnson, Kyle (Hannah), Will, Halle Gerleman, Keaton (Olivia) Bowen, Brooks, Hayes Anfinson, Marisa Anfinson, Rachel (Anfinson) Carter, Wayne Senechal, Austin Anfinson, Alix & Sydnee Condit and Allison & Madison Sims. Del’s family, Fran (Fred) Hemesath, Dan Schmitt. In-laws Doris Ott, Laurie Ott, Mary (Greg) Whitmore, Ken (Carol) Ott, Jim (Dawn) Ott, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Del was preceded in death by his son, Thomas; parents, Mat and Celia; siblings/spouses, Bernie (Victoria) Schmitt, Sr. Gracia Schmitt, and Inez Schmitt; in-laws, John and Margaret Ott, Steve Ott, Don Ott, Floyd Ott, Jean (Mary Ann) 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.