Raymond Schmitz

Raymond Schmitz, 90, of Seneca died July 17, 2021, at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.
He was born June 6, 1931, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, the son of Frank A. and Augusta Droge Schmitz. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Benedict High School. He enlisted in the Army National Guard shortly after high school and was honorably discharged after his service in the Korean War.
He assisted his brothers and his father on the family farm for years. He married Joan Weber on Nov. 26, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. The couple made their home and farmed in the St. Benedict community. In 1996, they “retired” and moved to Seneca. Raymond was an active member of the St. Mary’s Parrish where he taught CCD for many years. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1769 in Seneca, and Axtell American Legion Post 214. Raymond was active in 4-H as a club leader and a Nemaha County Fair Board member. Raymond served on the Nemaha County Co-op Board from 1975 to 1996.
One of Raymond’s proudest memories was being a founding investor in the Community National Bank and serving as a chairman of the board from 1984 to 2001. After slowing down from farming, Raymond enjoyed spending time at the rest home, reminiscing with the residents. He also wrote a book called “Reminiscing with Raymond.”
He was preceded in death by his parents and by three brothers, Gerald in 1952, Edwin in 1981 and Leon in 2009; and two sisters, Genevieve “Genny” Nolte in 2002 and Sister Melita Schmitz in 2008.
He is survived by his wife of more than 62 years; his children, Ray L. (Mary) Schmitz of Baileyville, Gary (Anita) Schmitz of Seneca, Sharon (Chris) Burger of Sabetha, Bryan (Janet) Schmitz of Baileyville and Dona (Grady) Ratliff of St Mary’s; grandchildren Michelle Darnall, Tyler Schmitz, Brandon Schmitz, Ashley Schmitz, Zachary Burger, Logan Burger, Bailey Lierz, Erin Schmitz, Evan Schmitz, Mia Schmitz, Rylan Ratliff and Kennedy Ratliff; and great-grandchildren Carter Darnall, Elmer Lierz and Maren Schmitz. Raymond loved spending time watching any of his grandkids’ events, as well as playing any of the good German card games like Pinochle.
Services were held July 19 with full military services provided by the Axtell American Legion. Memorials may be left in Raymond’s memory to St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery and Building Fund.
https://www.lauerfuneralhome.com/obituary/raymond-j-schmitz