Montezuma - Jeffrey Lee Schmidt was born September 21, 1955 to Dale and Nadine (Koehn) Schmidt in Roseburg Oregon. He peacefully slipped over the crossing on September 23, 2014, as his children stood by his side. His death was caused by a brain tumor, which he courageously fought for a year.

Dad grew up in the rural community of Plains Kansas, attending the Plains Public school. At a young age he gave his heart to God. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, on February 6, 1970, by Minister Harold H. Koehn. In Dad's teenage years, together with his parents and sisters, they moved to the present Homeland farm.

He was joined in marriage to Dottie Peters on November 21, 1981. This home was blessed with three children. Their first home was in the town of Montezuma. Dad made a living by land leveling, driving truck, and spent thirteen years working at Collingwood Grain in Montezuma. Another aspect of Dad's life was his faithful service as an EMT. Many times we saw him leave his work to help someone in need. During these years he enjoyed working in the community and made many lifelong friends.

In the year of 1995, we as a family moved out to the country, taking over the family farm. Dad met the challenges of farming, finding it very rewarding. He served on the MUA church board, giving him the opportunity to travel to various places. This was a real highlight for him as he broadened his circle of friends. It seems there were no strangers to him, the sense of humor and positive outlook he had, made it comfortable for all who touched his life. Dad spent lots of time at school during his term on the school board. He would treat the children to pop and Payday candy bars during recess, his faithful dog Buddy, would often go along. Every summer Dad took us camping and fishing, Trinidad and Stonewall in Colorado, as well as Meade Lake were our favorite places.

Dad was always our rock in life. We knew he would never let us down and would always love us. One of his tidbits of advice we heard many times was; "to learn from the mistakes of others". We want to shape our lives by the example he left for us. He loved his grandsons and took special interest in them, we knew it was his desire to see them grow up.

This last year he spent many weeks doctoring in Rochester, Minnesota. All though he had to endure suffering he said he wouldn't trade it. His comment was "there are beautiful flowers to pick in this valley". He never complained, and was patient in this time of illness. As Dad walked through this valley we sensed his desire to live, however when quiet submission stole into his heart, there was rest and assurance that comforted him. He spoke of the Boatman being there ready to carry him across the Jordan.

Those left to cherish memories are his three children: Justin and Janise Schmidt, Hazelton, Idaho, Jaclyn and Chester Wohlgemuth, Birnie, Manitoba, Jason and Karianne Schmidt, Montezuma; four grandsons: Kavan, Trent, Kody and Tylan; his Mother, Nadine Schmidt, Montezuma; three sisters, Jan and Mike Cummings, Janae and Michael Esau, Gina and Calvin Koehn, all of Montezuma, and a special nephew, Weston and Sharon Cummings.
He was preceded in death by his Dad.

Funeral service will be held at Homeland Mennonite Church in Montezuma on Friday, September 26, 2014 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Homeland Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Rochester Mennonite Guest House in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.