Donald Schmidt of Schaller, Iowa, died Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at the age of 84. He was known as Smitty to most everyone.

Services for Mr. Schmidt will be held Friday, October 10, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller, with Reverend David Lyons officiating. Burial will be in the Schaller Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller, where the family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Don was born September 2, 1924 to Edward Carl and Nina Belle (Hansen) Schmidt in Galva, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. Don received his education in Holstein. Following high school, Don entered the United States Navy, serving in World War II.

On May 26, 1946, Don was united in marriage to Lorene Illa Terry. The couple was blessed with seven children: Linda, Penny, Wayne, Lana, Bille, Connie and Ronny. The couple lived most of their lives in Schaller, where Don engaged in painting.

Don was a caring and loving individual who enjoyed dancing, fishing, golfing, bowling, watching football and O’Reilly, going to church and visiting with family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Linda (Warren) Ehrp, Penny Sullivan, Wayne Schmidt and wife Nancy Wines, Lana Schmidt, Bille Poamz and Connie Urban; his grandchildren: Sean (Cindy) Ehrp, Holly, Darren and Dale Ehrp, Cory Schieffer, Cara (Jami) McLandsborough, Bryan Brock, Mason Walter, Nina Zebley, Amanda and Cory Urban; great-grandchildren: Payge, Dalton and Wyatt Ehrp, Jordan and Brevin Galvin, Taylor, Tyler and Tracy McLandsborough, Destiny McKenna Davis; brothers: Neil (Ruth) Schmidt and Van (Myrna) Schmidt; sister-in-law Marie Schmidt; nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Terry; his son, Ronny; one brother, Wayne; and two sisters, Marcella and Donna.

Dad had recently said, “If you have to cry when I’m gone, I’m going to a better place so make them Happy Tears.”