Montezuma-Our father Benjamin (Ben) Harold Schmidt was born April 14, 1929, in Montezuma to Ben D. and Susie Schmidt. He peacefully passed away at Bethel Home early Wednesday morning, April 10, 2019, just 4 days before his 90th birthday.

The youngest of 13 children, Dad grew up on a farm northwest of Montezuma and enjoyed his childhood there. He learned the value of hard work while working on the family farm with his brothers and sisters. He received his elementary education at Montezuma Public Schools and was valedictorian of his 8th grade class.

He answered the call of God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at Montezuma, October 24, 1943, by Minister Jesse Johnson. He remained a steadfast Christian all his life, leaving a clear testimony of his salvation.

During the period of 1-W Service, Dad served 2 separate terms at Roseburg Veteran's Hospital, several months in 1952, and a 2 year term from 1955 to 1957.

Dad found his life's companion in Arlene Marjorie Koehn, and they were married January 25, 1953, at Montezuma, by Minister David J. Koehn. After some time, an adopted daughter was welcomed into their home. Another daughter and two sons were born to complete the family circle. After Mom passed away in 1997, his youngest son Kent became his constant companion until Kent's passing in 2012.

Dad was a lover of song and was a song leader for many years in the Montezuma Congregation. He loved the farm and we learned many life lessons while working with him there. Although summers were a busy time on the farm, he always made time for family vacations. Keeping the family together was important to him. He was calm and steady in the storms and challenges that life brought him. He loved his grandchildren and was interested in their lives. They, in turn, enjoyed telling him about their interests and events.

Those left to cherish many memories are one daughter, Anita Schmidt, Montezuma; one son, Danny Schmidt, Cimarron; one sister, Elizabeth Koehn, Montezuma; 5 grandchildren, Tara Hampton, Wichita; Samantha Schmidt, Zachary Schmidt, Cassidy Schmidt and Nicholas Schmidt, all of Cimarron; 7 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene; a daughter, Alice; a son, Kent; daughter-in-law, Ronnell; a grandson, Marcus Hampton; a great grandson, Major Hampton; his parents Ben and Susie Schmidt; five brothers and six sisters.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Saturday April 13, 2019 at 10:00 AM with Ministers Charles Schmidt, Kalvin Salsbury, and Craig Koehn presiding. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Friday April 12, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.