Vernon Schmidt, 75, passed away Oct. 26, 2021, surrounded by family. Vernon was born Dec. 12, 1945, to Jacob Schmidt Laura Schroeder Schmidt of Goessel. He was born on the family farmstead, the oldest of four boys, Norman, DeWayne and Larry. Vernon attended Goessel schools and graduated in 1963.
Vernon married Susan Hurst in 1967. They had three children, Elizabeth “Jane” Baker, Timothy Schmidt and Amy Stiver. They later divorced.
Vernon began working at Hesston Corporation in the 1970s. During this time, he worked part-time as a police officer with Hesston Police Department. Vernon left Hesston Corp and went to work for the Harvey County Sheriff’s Department in the jail. He became Jail Captain and assisted with the planning and building of the Harvey County Detention Center. Vernon retired in December 2011 after serving 25 years with Harvey County. He also could be found on Friday and Saturday nights working security at the old South Dillons. In his free time, Vernon enjoyed working in the yard, gardening and KU basketball. He could also be seen driving around town with his Husky, Malakai.
Vernon is survived by two children, Tim Schmidt (Michelle) of Junction City, Amy Stiver (Brian) of Newton and Son-in-law Paul Baker of Newton; grandchildren Jessica (Noah) Wuest, Jacob Raprager (Sarah Doody), Jayden Stiver and Matthew Baker all of Newton and Brian Baker of Austin Texas; great-grandson Parker Wuest; bonus daughter Shawn Wetschensky and grandson Keaton Wetschensky, and brother Larry (Kela) Schmidt of Newton. He was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dewayne and Norman and his daughter Elizabeth “Jane” Baker.
Graveside committal service was at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 30, at Goessel Mennonite Cemetery in Goessel. Viewing and visitation was on Friday, Oct. 29, from 5-9 p.m. with family greeting from 6-8 p.m.
Memorial Contributions may be sent to Caring Hands Humane Society and may be left in care of the funeral home.
