Duane F. Schmidt

Duane F. Schmidt, 91, of Olpe, Kansas, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor.

Duane Francis Schmidt was born on September 26, 1934, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Leonard Joseph and Ida Anne (Sterbenz) Schmidt. On April 30, 1960, he was united in marriage to Jeanette H. Getz at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia. She survives.

Duane is also survived by his son, Christopher (Jennifer) Schmidt of Olpe, Kansas; daughters Janel (Bob) Burenheide, Jeanine (Jerry) Guthrie, and Jelinda (Dave) Watts, all of Emporia, Kansas; brother Daniel Schmidt of Emporia; sisters Lillian Spellman of Emporia and Ida Lynn Haag of Topeka, Kansas; grandchildren Travis Guthrie, Justin (Jennifer) Burenheide, Kelsey (Tyler) Peterman, Ryker Schmidt, and Damon Schmidt; and great grandchildren Alex Guthrie and Ben Guthrie

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Clarence, Kenneth, and Larry Schmidt; and sisters Leonarda Nuessen, Donita Simmons, and Corrine Cole Frizell.

Duane was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as sexton of St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Olpe for many years. Duane was a proud veteran of the United States Army and a member of Brinkman-Price Post #342 of the American Legion, where he also served with the Post Honor Guard.

A graduate of Olpe High School, Duane was employed by Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company at the Olpe Transmission Station for 24 years, retiring 33 years ago. Following retirement, he worked part-time at Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply in Emporia.

Duane was an avid gardener who found great joy in tending the large garden he planted each year. One of his favorite outdoor pursuits was the annual—and relentless—battle against any dandelion that dared appear in his yard, a contest in which he devoted hundreds of hours and almost always emerged victorious. When his children were young, he enthusiastically supported their involvement in 4-H, even building pens to house the ever-growing menagerie of animals his daughters could never quite bring themselves to sell.

He loved sports, especially spending summer evenings at the baseball field and winter nights in the basketball gym. His favorite week of the year was the Lyon County Basketball Tournament, where he would take his seat at the opening tip-off of the first game and remain until the final buzzer of the week, regardless of who was playing. Duane also enjoyed traveling with his wife, visiting destinations around the world, though his most cherished trips were family adventures across the country in their pickup camper.

To his family, Duane will always be remembered for his ornery spirit and love of mischief. April Fool’s Day was a treasured holiday for him—and a day of apprehension for everyone else. Above all, Duane’s life was defined by his deep love for God and his family. Raised in a family of ten siblings, whom he cherished dearly, those close bonds shaped the way he raised his own children. He instilled in them the importance of family and found his greatest joy in seeing them love, respect, and protect one another without fail.

The Rosary will be recited at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olpe, Kansas, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends following the service. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2025, at the church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Olpe Knights of Columbus or the Olpe Fitness Park and may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.