Kenneth LeRoy "Kenny" Schmidt

Kenneth Kenny LeRoy Schmidt, 73, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024. He went to his heavenly home surrounded by his wife and four daughters who loved, admired, and respected him deeply.
Known as "Sodbuster" to those who knew him the longest, Kenny was born on January 6, 1951, to Vernon and Lydia (Scheel) Schmidt in Hutchinson, KS. He was raised on the family's farm near Mt. Hope, KS, and was the baby of the family with three older sisters. Kenny attended St. Paul's Lutheran School and graduated from Haven High School in 1969. He attended Hutchinson Community College before purchasing a farm north of Haven. Cattle buying and farming became Kenny's livelihood for the next 50 years. He began several businesses with his family, including S&S Feeder Cattle, Four Star Cattle, S&H Farms, K&S Cattle, and K&S Truck Sales. Kenny traveled throughout the Midwest buying and selling cattle and was a co-owner of Central Livestock in South Hutchinson for several years. Eventually, he and his nephew began a large hay operation and feed truck business. Kenny retired in 2017.
On December 4, 1976, Kenny married Dallas Irene Harris in Newton, KS. Four daughters - Elizabeth, Kendra, Katie, and Erin - were born into this union. He taught his girls to always work hard, do their best the first time, and not hang their heads for anyone. While he thoroughly enjoyed watching them at softball games and their frequent company in the salebarn stands when they were younger, Kenny often shared his pride in the women, leaders, and mothers they became as adults. This same pride and love extended to his three granddaughters - Sophie, Amelia, and Charlotte. Being their Papa was one of his favorite roles. In addition to his girls, Kenny loved and was so proud of his nephew, Sean, who continues to buy cattle and farm with his sons north of Haven.
Kenny loved Sunday drives, a comfortable recliner, a good truck, his faithful pups, and old-fashioned sour cream donuts. If you were fortunate enough to call him a friend, you knew he was rich with lessons about life, land, and cattle. He was a hard worker, an intuitive businessman, maintained integrity and resilience in the face of difficulty, and was as ornery as they come. While "Don't tell your mom!" was perhaps his most frequent utterance, Kenny's colorful descriptions of holes in snow banks, broad sides of barns, alligator mouths, and hummingbird you-know-whats filled the stories and lessons he often shared. A member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Kenny knew and was loved by his Lord.
Kenny will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, Papa, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lois Wagoner. He is survived by: his wife, Dallas; daughters, Elizabeth (Andre') Parker, Kendra (Jeromy) McAlister, Katie (Matt) Gee, and Dr. Erin Schmidt; three granddaughters, Sophie McAlister and Amelia and Charlotte Gee; his nephew, Sean (Tina) Hartung; sisters, Norma Hartung and Linda Brockman; brothers-in-law, Roger Wagoner and Olin Harris; sisters-in-law, Andrea Baker and Susan Harris; two great-nephews and partners-in-crime, Patrick and Luke Hartung; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. Services will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th St, Hutchinson. A visitation with family will be held on Friday, Nov. 1 from 4:00-6:00, and the celebration of Kenny's life will be on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10:00 with Pastor Lisa Simmelink and Father Larry Carver officiating. A light lunch will be served immediately following.
Friends may sign the book from 9 am to 5 pm at Elliott Mortuary through Friday November 1, 2024.
Use this link to view the service: https://www.youtube.com/@emanuellutheranchurchhutch5157/streams
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Emanuel Lutheran Church or Hospice and Home Care of Reno County in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.