Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel

310 1st Avenue North

Clear Lake, Iowa

Benjamin Schmitt Obituary

Benjamin Michael Schmitt

February 13, 1984-June 1, 2023

Benjamin Michael Schmitt, age 39, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023. Ben was born February 13, 1984, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Julie Hewitt Schmitt and Michael Schmitt.

The family will greet friends, Thursday, June 8,2023 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at The Dock, 500 Main Avenue, Clear Lake, Iowa and to honor Ben it is suggested to come in casual attire. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed in care of Amy Schmitt.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, June 9, 2023, at The Dock, 500 Main Avenue, Clear Lake, Iowa, with Pastor Jason Miller of Zion Lutheran Church officiating.

On a New Years Eve, Ben's life would be forever changed when he met his forever love, Amy Reynolds, and on one of their favorite holidays, the 4th of July, under the fireworks they became engaged and on June 30, 2007, they were United forever in marriage at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, Iowa. Ben and Amy continued to live and make their home in Clear Lake and not knowing their hearts could grow even larger until they were blessed with their two children Ella and Noah making him a very proud father which became his second favorite (f) word.

Ben graduated from Clear Lake, Iowa, the class of 2002 and furthered his education at Kaplan University. In 2018 Ben became a licensed Realtor.

Ben had a love of music and had been blessed with a beautiful voice and learned the craft of singing from his Papa Ray and used it as a ministry by serving on worship teams for multiple churches.

Ben had the honor of participating in the 2000 State Championship football team and the relationships he made turned into lifelong friendships. He continued his love for sports learning to hunt, ski, and fish and he was fearless in all his pursuits whether it was plowing down a mountain at 50 mph or showing up when you needed help adventure and excitement always found him. While he loved his hobbies, he also relished his quiet times at their country home, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and the UFC, spending time with extended families in Ft. Myers Beach hunting for shells and ending the day enjoying the sunsets.

Wherever Ben went he brought his smile and he knew people by their hearts and never judged. He related to everyone with his kindness and his spirit of connection something we should all strive to be better at. Ben was one of those guys that had a gift for making everyone else feel good even though he wasn't able to do that for himself.

Ben is survived by his wife Amy, daughter Ella (11), son Noah (8); parents Julie and Scott Stauffacher and Michael Schmitt; mother and father-in-law Gary and Barb Reynolds; brother Andy (Emily) Schmitt; sisters Amy and Emily Stauffacher; brother-in-law Andy (Chrissy) Reynolds. Nieces and nephews Wynn and Celia Schmitt, Marcus Ludwig, Addison, Caden, and Brycen Reynolds. Grandpa David Schmitt. Grandmother-in-laws Shirley Reynolds and Donna Cahalan. Uncle Mark (Daina) Hewitt; Aunt Carrie (Paul) Nichols; Stacy (Patt) McDowell; and many cousins and friends.

Ben is preceded in death by his infant son Jonathan, Grandparents Ray and Amy Hewitt; Grandma Lorraine Schmitt, sister Mara Ludwig; Aunts Victoria VonStein & Lori Gifford; and Uncle Matthew Schmitt.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193 www.colonialchapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Globe Gazette on Jun. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Schmitt

Sponsored by Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.

Not sure what to say?





Susan Nagle

July 10, 2023

I am so very sorry for the loss of Ben. I hope that your great memories will help you get through the tough times ahead. Life is not fair and I am so sadden that this has happened to your family. Susan Nagle

The Barbers

June 7, 2023

We are so very sorry for this tragic loss to not only everyone who knows him but all that will never have the chance.

-Rob and Danielle Barber

Lois Evans

June 7, 2023

Amy and Family,
You are in my prayers at this time. May God give you strength to help you.

Mary Ann

June 7, 2023

My sincere sympathy to the Schmitt and Hewitt families for such a great loss.
Mary Ann Schweizer

Debbie Sedars

June 7, 2023

Parents should never have to endure the heartbreak of burying a child. There is no greater pain. All we can do is trust in the Lord and lean on Him for strength. You are in my daily prayers.

James Sanders

June 6, 2023

Ben was a great friend and partner in our shared struggles. I feel so blessed to have spoken with Amy and I cannot even start to feel what those babies are feeling. RIP Ben - you touched more people than you know.

Barbara Amosson

June 6, 2023

I am so so sorry for your broken hearts . There are no right words right now only God has you in the palm of his hands and Jesus
Has his arms around you . I pray you feel their comfort in the coming days .

Rod Pump

June 6, 2023

Ben is one of my favorite people. I thoroughly loved our visits. They may have been infrequent but were always enjoyable. We always found ourselves laughing. I will forever remember those wonderful moments. I will miss my young friend.

Bob and Sally Becker

June 5, 2023

Sympathy to you all at such a sad loss. Our hearts hurt for you and the pain you are going through. May God watch over and bring healing to you.

Nancy Zanios

June 5, 2023

I am heartbroken that your family is in the chaos that a young person's death creates. No one should have to wade through this immense pain. Please know I think about you repeatedly and am praying for your comfort and the strength to continue one minute at a time. Nancy and Jamie Zanios

Kelly Frein.

June 4, 2023

So sorry for your lost. God bless you and the girls. Your in my thoughts.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Benjamin Schmitt's name

Memorial Events
for Benjamin Schmitt

Jun

8

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Dock

500 Main Ave, Clear Lake, IA

Jun

9

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

The Dock

500 Main Ave, Clear Lake, IA

Funeral services provided by:

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel

310 1st Avenue North, Clear Lake, IA 50428

How to support Benjamin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Benjamin Schmitt's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more