Robert Dale Schmitt, 82, of Gorham, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.
Bob was born May 26, 1940 in Hays, Kansas. He was the son of Gustav A. and Lydia (Wagner) Schmitt. At the age of two his family moved to the family farm south of Gorham which was homesteaded in 1888. He graduated from Gorham High School in the Class of 1958.
Bob was united in marriage to Lyla L. Prater on October 15, 1961 in Russell. They made their home on the family farm and was blessed with three children; Virginia, Dale and Kristin.
Bob was a Farmer and Rancher on the farm south of Gorham. He spent the next 80 years doing what he loved; farming, ranching, butchering and passing down family traditions. He took great pride in being the 3rd generation to live on the family farm. He was the youngest of 32 first cousins on the Schmitt side. He enjoyed visiting with everyone and sharing life lessons with the younger generations. He loved his food, he couldn’t have a meal without meat and dessert! Some of his favorite places to eat were Red Lobster and Dairy Queen.
He was a life member of St. John Lutheran Church. He also belonged to the Big Creek 4-H Club, the Cushman Motor Scooters Association and hosted a couple of Cushman gatherings at the farm. He served on the Federal Grand Jury and the Big Creek Township Board. He loved spending time with his family and following his grandchildren’s activities, pestering his friends and family, caring for his 1974 T-Bird and eating ice cream and popcorn.
Bob’s surviving family include his wife of 61 years, Lyla of the home; daughters, Virginia Rohleder of Gorham, Kansas and Kristin Bay (Tony) of Russell, Kansas; son, Dale Schmitt (Nancy) of Russell, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Colby Rohleder (Ashley), Sadee Soldan (Rex), Brandon Schmitt, Mason Schmitt, Kendra Bay, Tytin Bay, Alex Underwood and Seth Underwood. Four great grandchildren, Colt and Owen Soldan, Otto and Tinzlee Rohleder; Sister-in-law Carol Walford and his only niece Stacy Waters (Paul) and her family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Randy Rohleder; and brother-in-law, Larry Walford.
Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 28, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church. A private burial of ashes will follow at a later date. The family will be present to greet friends at 9:30 AM, Friday at the Church. A memorial has been established with the Gorham Senior Center. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.