Lenard John Schmitt

Lenard J. Schmitt, age 59, of Early, Iowa died January 24, 2012 at his home near Early. Lenard John was born November 14, 1952 in Sac City, Iowa the son of John and Bertha (Engel) Schmitt. Growing up, he attended Crestland School in Early where he later graduated in 1971. On February 2, 1974, Lenard was united in marriage to Mary Ann Demers at the St. Maryâ€™s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. This union was blessed with four children: Lori, Stacey, Renae and Shawn. Lenard was baptized on November 23, 1952 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early where he was later confirmed on April 30, 1963. He was a current member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, where he served on the Sacred Heart Guild. Lenard was genuine, creative, easy going, caring and always had a smile on his face. He was a hard worker and always put others first. Lenard enjoyed dogs and collecting tractors. In his spare time, he enjoyed going out to eat with family and friends. His true passion in life was farming and spending time with his family. Lenard will be forever remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Lori (Jason) Donelson of Early; Stacey (Michael) DeBoer of Jefferson, South Dakota; Renae (Barry) Binder of Alta, Iowa; Shawn Schmitt of Early; nine grandchildren: Tonia Anway, Caleb Anway, Seth Donelson, Ethan DeBoer, Levi DeBoer, Chase DeBoer, Joslyn DeBoer, Kolton DeBoer and Olivia Binder; brothers: Ed (Sandy) Schmitt of Early, Iowa; George (Sandy) Schmitt of Wall Lake, Iowa; sisters: Helen (Don) Henrich of Merrill, Iowa; Catherine Schmitt-Christman of Bronson, Iowa; Frances (Butch) Blum of Schaller, Iowa; mother-in-law, Marilyn Demers of Storm Lake, Iowa; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Sue (Marion) Gibbins of Storm Lake, Iowa; Carol Demers of Storm Lake, Iowa; Steve Demers of Lincoln, Nebraska; Joanne (Robert) Sippel of Lombard, Illinois; Ron (Katie) Demers of Sioux City, Iowa; David Leonard of Storm Lake, Iowa; extended family and friends. Lenard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha Schmitt; wife, Mary Schmitt; brother, Lawrence Schmitt; father-in-law, Robert â€œBobâ€ Demers; brother-in-law, Bill Christman; and sister-in-law, Dianne Leonard.

Lenard John Schmitt

November 14, 1952 - January 24, 2012