Joseph G. Schmitz, 84, of Mount Hope died on Feb. 11, 2026, in Wichita. Joseph was born at home to Gerhard and Marie (Otte) Schmitz on June 17, 1941. He was the middle child, with six sisters born before him and six sisters after. Joseph attended St. Joe Grade School and Andale High School. In high school shop class, he enjoyed building many things with wood. He was very proud of the bedroom set he made for himself: a bed frame with slide-open compartments at the head, a night stand, a short dresser and a tall dresser. He also put together numerous cedar chests. After high school, he enlisted in the Army Reserves and went to boot camp in Fort Leornard Wood, Missouri. Upon returning home, he farmed with his grandpa and dad. He really enjoyed farming. After his grandpa passed, he continued with his dad and took great care of his mom and dad as they aged. After his parents passed, he continued to farm and worked as a custodian at Andale Grade School, volunteered as custodian at St. Joe Grade School and helped his sister, Theresia, at her restaurant in Andale. For several years, on Tuesday, he would go to the Mount Hope Senior Center for lunch and fellowship. He would stay after to help with the dishes and take out the trash. He would often tell his sisters who was there and any news. Joseph was a gentle soul and a kind and generous man. He tried to see the best in everyone and would visit with anyone. He enjoyed taking Albert Schmidt to the grocery store, and later, when Albert couldn’t go along, he would go get his groceries for him and then sit and visit with him. Joseph’s Catholic faith was important to him. He was a lifelong member of St. Joe, Ost. As a young boy, he served at Mass with Fr. Debes and was proud of the certificate he received. Later, he was an usher at Mass. He joined the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. He would pray his Rosary while he worked the fields.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Helena (Norbert) Forster, Johanna (Roman) Knoblauch, Rose Ann Schmitz, Theresia (Ron) Brunin, Joann (Earl) Comstock, Carolyn (Tom) Pritz, and Mary Magdelin Schmitz; brothers-in-law, John Paney, Clarence Albert, and John Wickman; and also several nieces and nephews.
Joseph is survived by his siblings, Matilda Paney, Charlene Albert, Josephine (Joe) Hallacy, Rosalin Wickman and Barbara (John) Betzen and also, numerous nieces and nephews.
The Rosary was prayed Monday evening, Feb.16, and his funeral Mass was Tuesday, Feb. 17, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ost.
He was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery, Ost.