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Willard Schmidt, 98, of Alta died July 28, 2026, at Accura Healthcare in Aurelia.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Hanover. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, July 31, from 5-8 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta.
Willard Louie Schmidt was born on April 20, 1928, to Harry and Josie Schmidt of Holstein. He attended country school through eighth grade and graduated from Galva High School in 1945. After graduation, he worked for area farmers. Willard was united in marriage to Alvina Glienke on June 8, 1952, at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Hanover. They made their home on a farm south of Alta. To this union, four children were born and raised while farming the land and feeding cattle. Willard enjoyed many years of farming with his sons until his retirement in 1995. He enjoyed attending his kids and grandkids’ school activities whenever he was able.
Willard and Alvina moved to Alta in 2004. Willard was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church holding several positions on the church council. He was also elected to the Buena Vista County REC board where he served a period of 10 years.
Those left to cherish their memories of Willard are his children: Janet Black of Sioux City; Brenda (Dan) Anderson of Alta; Ryan (Carrie) Schmidt of Alta; grandchildren: Stephanie Liu (Rex), Cory Black (Charmaine), Kyla Van Gorp (Paul), Taylor Anderson (Jaime), Carsen Anderson (Ashley), Cole Anderson (Rachel), Braden Schmidt and Bethany Schmidt; 19 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Dorothy Hinkeldey; brother-in-law Martin Glienke; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Willard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Alvina; his parents; brother Clifford; son Ricky; son-in-law Tim Black; granddaughter Alyssa Anderson; and numerous siblings-in-law, nieces and nephews.
