Dennis Lee Schmidt

Dennis Lee Schmidt, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away at Lawrence Memorial Hospital on October 14, 2023 at the age of 77. Dennis was surrounded by his loving family at his time of death, taking his final breath in unison with the last note of "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum. Dennis was born October 13, 1946 in Hutchinson, KS to Alfred and Esther Schmidt and grew up on his family farm in Arlington, KS, where he later raised his own family and farmed for 30 years.

Known for his intelligence, analytical and inquisitive mind, mathematical aptitude and resilient spirit, Dennis was a pillar of strength for his family and friends. He had an unremitting love for his family and maintained lifelong friendships with those dearest to him. Dennis was also funny and oftentimes ornery, giving his supportive and reliable persona a delightful edge. His bright spirit will live on through his remaining family members and friends, and the countless life lessons he has left behind.

Dennis is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Wanda (Milliren) Schmidt, whom he married in 1968. Their marriage of 55 years was a testament to their shared dedication and love. His memory will be upheld by his children Kimberly McPherson, Dennis Schmidt Jr, and Kristine Schmidt; his son-in-law, David McPherson and daughter-in-law, Samantha Frerer; and his cherished grandchildren Brittany, Alyssa, and Matthew Hoffman and Everly and Kai Schmidt; and his step-grandsons Brandon and Talon McPherson. He also leaves behind his dear sister Sandra Forbes and brother-in-law John Forbes, brother-in-laws Dennis and Kirk Milliren, and sister-in-law Kathy Milliren. He will also be remembered by his beloved nephews David and Karl Kraus, Larrance Forbes, and David Milliren. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Esther (Witt) Schmidt, his sister Adele (Schmidt) Kraus, and his brother Guy Al Schmidt.

As a child, Dennis enjoyed close relationships with his parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins that instilled in him a family-oriented nature that guided him throughout his life. Dennis also developed a hard work ethic and deep appreciation for learning, agriculture, and the great outdoors during those early years on his family farm.

After graduating from Fairfield High School in 1964, Dennis pursued higher education at Hutchinson Community College, the University of Kansas, and Wichita State University. He graduated from KU in 1968 with a degree in Business Administration and later earned a Master's in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from WSU in 1990. Over the years, Dennis gleaned wisdom from his studies that he integrated into both his personal and professional endeavors. He deeply valued education and learning and encouraged those around him to pursue knowledge and excellence with relentless drive and dedication.

Dennis began his professional journey working for the Federal Reserve Bank and Bendix Corporation while living with his wife Wanda in Overland Park, KS in the four years following his graduation from KU. In 1972, the happy couple made the decision to move back to Arlington, KS to take over the family farm and subsequently raise their three children.

Dennis was a financial and mathematical-minded businessman and entrepreneur and used his unique skill set to eventually start D.L. Schmidt Farms, Inc. He applied dedication, hard work, and strategic planning to help grow his farming business, successfully operating and expanding his family farm over three decades. At its height, Dennis managed up to 2000 acres of farm and pasture land and oversaw the growth of wheat, maize, alfalfa, corn and soybeans, while also maintaining a herd of up to 1000 beef cattle. He took pride in his work as a farmer and the knowledge that his tireless efforts helped feed the people of America. Over the years, Dennis also applied his entrepreneurial aptitude to obtain his real estate license and invest in various properties, the stock market, and drilling oil wells. While the golden waves of the peaceful Kansas wheatfields were forever ingrained in the fiber of Dennis's being, the call to be a full-time grandpa eventually led Dennis and his wife to sell the family farm in 2002 and relocate to Lawrence, KS to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

The rich tapestry of Dennis's life reaches beyond his professional accomplishments. Above all, Dennis treasured the time he spent with his family and especially cherished the close bond he built with his children and grandchildren. They were the light of his life. His daily joy was enriched by simple pleasures such as spending quality time cuddling his grandkids, loving and raising a variety of dog breeds, savoring a home-cooked meal (many of which he prepared himself as he developed a passion for cooking mid-life), playing cards games like solitaire, hearts, and bridge, researching and learning by watching documentaries and nature programs, and having meaningful conversations with family members and lifelong friends. He found joy in listening to music across genres and decades, loved having a good laugh over comedy sitcoms (his laugh was infectious), delighted sipping on his morning coffee or a refreshing Pepsi, and enjoyed closely following the KU Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs.

An explorer at heart, Dennis also traveled extensively through the USA across 49 different states as well as internationally to Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. He had an eternal wanderlust and found deep satisfaction on the open road, taking yearly road trips with his family throughout his life. In his later years, however, he traded the open road for armchair travel and explored places near and far through the comfort of his living room and big screen TV. He loved reminiscing over photographs of his travels, considering his adventures some of the richest experiences of his life.

Dennis's life brought to light the essence of hard work, the power of strength balanced by tenderness, the value of close-knit relationships, the importance of laughter, the fulfilling nature of pursuing one's passions, and the role of resilience in overcoming life's challenges. Dennis's passing leaves a void that can never be filled. He will be deeply and profoundly missed. His legacy of love and support has left an indelible mark on his family and friends and will forever be etched in our hearts and memories.

The family will have a graveside service spring 2024 at the Partridge Cemetery in Partridge, KS with a celebration of life immediately following. Date and time of service to be determined.

All expressions of sympathy, including plants and flowers, cards, and honorary donations to the American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association on Dennis's behalf are welcome.

For a more detailed account of Dennis's life along with family photos, please visit his memorial page at www.weremember.com/dennis-schmidt/4c2i/memories.