George Schmitt

George Schmitt, 74, of Wall Lake, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at Loring Hospital in Sac City.

George Lenard Schmitt was born on Sept. 19, 1949, to parents John and Bertha (Engel) Schmitt in Sac City. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. George grew up on a farm south of Early and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, graduating in 1967, which was the last graduating class from Sacred Heart. After graduation, George served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 24, 1970.

On May 22, 1971, George married Sandra Maher at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. The couple resided on a farm near Storm Lake for a short time before moving to a farm southeast of Wall Lake in 1972. They were blessed with three children: Lisa, Travis and Brian. George worked as a farm hand for Bill Geake for several years before starting his own business, Schmitt Construction, in 1977. He was a hardworking man who was proud to own his business for 46 years. He was an honest businessman who treated people fairly and in doing so, knew he could be proud of his work. He was driven by a customer calling with a challenging problem or situation. George’s daily routine did not change: Wake up at 5 a.m., do morning chores, give his beloved dog some attention, be home at exactly noon for a good homemade lunch, back to work, home for evening chores and finish the day in the shop, unless of course one of his grandkids had a game. Together, he and Sandy have been their biggest supporters from the bleachers. He enjoyed attending their sporting events.

When the kids were growing up, George and Sandy made it a point to take them on a yearly family vacation. Many good memories were made while on these sometimes quite long road trips as the kids will tell you. George supported his family well by taking the time to attend their events, and being involved in their activities. Racing was always an interest. He enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons compete. He and Sandy took several trips to Las Vegas and Kansas City over the years to attend NASCAR races. When it came to his kids and even grandkids, George loved getting them involved by teaching them how to operate the construction and farm equipment he used for the business. He was indeed a family man and sometimes family time meant working together.

He loved his animals and always had a dog, Marley being the most recent. His cow/calf herd also meant a lot to him, and he enjoyed caring for them.

Being an honest businessman was important, but when it came to family game night, he followed his own rules! He will forever be known as a great cheater by anyone who has ever played games with him… but of course it was all in good fun.

George was a 4-H leader for several years and served on the Sac County Fair Board for over 30 years. This was something he really enjoyed and always looked forward to every year come July. He was also a member of the American Legion in Wall Lake.

George has certainly left his mark on this world in so many ways and will be missed deeply by his family and all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Sandy Schmitt of Wall Lake; sons: Travis (Teresa) Schmitt of Lake View; and Brian (Brenda) Schmitt of Wall Lake; son-in-law Jason Paysen of Lake View; grandchildren: Riley Paysen (fiancée Alli Crump), Courtney Paysen, Jake Paysen, Hannah Schmitt (fiancé Josh Halbur), Tyler Schmitt, Kate Schmitt, Sam Schmitt, Carson Schmitt and Kennedy Schmitt; brother Ed (Sandy) Schmitt of Early; sister Cathy Christman of Bronson; brothers-in-law: Denny (Mary) Maher of Storm Lake; Butch Blum of Schaller; and Don Henrich of Merrill; sisters-in-law: Sherri (Don) Fitzpatrick of Ankeny; and Connie (Jim) Hoft of Lake View; many nieces, nephews, others extended family members and friends.

George was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Lisa in 2013; parents, John and Bertha Schmitt; siblings: Lawrence Schmitt, Leonard (Mary) Schmitt, Fran Blum and Helen Henrich; brother-in-law Bill Christman; and parents-in-law, Duane and Shirley Maher.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Jan. 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wall Lake. Burial followed in Wall Lake Cemetery. Farber & Otteman Funeral Home of Wall Lake has been entrusted to care for George and his family.