Joseph Gerhard Schmitz

Joseph G. Schmitz, 84, of Mt. Hope, died on February 11, 2026 in Wichita, KS.

Mr. Schmitz was born June 17, 1941 to Gerhard & Marie (Otte) Schmitz in Mt. Hope. Joseph was a lifelong farmer with his grandpa, dad and by himself after they passed. He was also a lifelong member of St. Joseph parish, Ost. After high school, he joined the Army reserves but wasn't needed to serve. After his dad passed and he was farming by himself, he worked parttime as custodian at the Andale Grade School and later volunteered as custodian at St. Joe, Ost. He also helped his sister Theresia at her restaurant in Andale. He enjoyed serving as an usher and was a lifelong member of the Holy Name Society at St. Joe and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Andale.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Helena (Norbert) Forster, Johanna (Roman) Knoblauch, Rose Ann Schmitz, Theresia (Ron) Brunin, Joann (Earl) Comstock, Carolyn (Tom) Pritz, Mary Magdelin; brothers-in-law, John Paney, Clarence Albert, John Wickman; many nieces & nephews.

He is survived by his siblings, Matilda Paney, Charlene Albert, Josephine (Joe) Hallacy, Rosalin Wickman, Barbara (John) Betzen; numerous nieces & nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church-Ost, KS. A rosary will be said on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM, also at the church. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church or St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Wulf Ast Mortuary, 911 Biermann Street, Garden Plain 67050.