Montezuma - Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Dale Schmidt, was born to Walter and Della (Unruh) Schmidt on February 9, 1931, at the old home place southeast of Evan's Cemetery, Montezuma.

On January 13, 2014, as the sun was setting, Dad left us without saying goodbye, although he had spoken with each one of his children that day. He was doing what he enjoyed most, spending the afternoon at the family farm. God gently reached down while Dad was driving home and he was found, stopped in his pickup, his hands folded in his lap, having peacefully passed away. He reached the age of 82 years and 11 months.

As a boy, he attended South Lone Star School for all eight years. After school, he helped his dad on the farm. He was baptized on February 3, 1946, by Minister David J. Koehn. On February 17, 1952, he was united in marriage to me, Nadine Koehn. To this union were born one son and three daughters. We had sixty-two happy years together. He was obtained to the deaconry at Montezuma on February 10, 1971. He remained faithful to his vows and calling until the end. Our parents spent two years of 1W service at Roseburg, Oregon. Dad served on the CSI board and enjoyed traveling abroad. He often talked about his experiences, making lifelong friends.

His positive outlook was such an encouragement to us as a family. His heart was enlarged to include all of us. We each felt his love in a special way. Dad unselfishly gave of himself for us in such ways as inviting us out for meals, bringing break, and taking us each to Stonewall, Colorado, for a fishing trip. We always felt welcome to come over after church and many special memories were made around the table. At parting, he would often say, "Keep up your courage."

Dad was an outgoing person and loved to visit, this won him many friends. He enjoyed going to Bethel Home often, first caring for his brother Robert unselfishly for eighteen years; then during the last year and a half, having coffee break with his daughter, Jan. With aching hearts, we see his empty chair and miss his humorous ways. His little saying of "This too will pass" will stay with us as we wait to meet him in Heaven.

Left to cherish fond memories are his beloved wife, Nadine; his children: one son, Jeff; three daughters, Jan and Mike Cummings, Janae and Michael Esau, Gina and Calvin Koehn, all of Montezuma; 10 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren; one sister, Regean and Milton Schmidt; brother-in-law, Jonas Schmidt, all of Deridder, Louisiana, brothers-in-law, Dale G. and Verda Koehn and Dallas and Deanne Koehn, all of Montezuma. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Richard and Robert; and his sisters: Opal, Marjorie, and Margaret.

Funeral service will be held at Homeland Mennonite Church, Montezuma on Friday, January 17, 2014 at 2:30 PM. Burial will follow at Homeland Mennonite Church Cemetery in Montezuma. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 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.