Ilene Schmidt

Ilene Schmidt, May 12, 1931 – July 11, 2025

Ilene May (Schroeder) Schmidt, 94, passed peacefully in her sleep at Kidron-Bethel in North Newton on July 11, 2025.

Born in American Falls, Idaho, to Margaret (Isaak) and Richard J. Schroeder, Ilene grew up in the Fairview community and the First Mennonite Church of Aberdeen. Her family included an older brother, Robert, a younger sister, Cloris, and the extensive Isaak and Schroeder clans. She worked the family farm, read books, and dreamed of far-away places.

After graduating as valedictorian from high school, Ilene attended Bethel College, earning her degree in elementary school education. As an assistant in the President’s Office, she became an avid student of administration and constituent relations. Her future husband, Hartzel, worked in the neighboring Business Office and they married in 1954.

With her upbeat personality and ability to organize, Ilene led a busy and fulfilling life. She worked for the BC Mennonite Church for 9 years and Bethel College (including as founding Assistant to the Director of Development and Assistant to the President for 30 years). She was generous with her time and zwiebach, volunteering for the BC Women’s Association, Newton Mid-Kansas Orchestra Board, Kauffman Museum, MCC, Ten Thousand Villages, Et Cetera Shop, the homeless shelter, and the Newton Medical Center gift shop. And she was more than willing to organize card games or a 5-table Mah Jongg party on short notice.

Ilene is survived by her 3 sons and their wives, Rodney (Elizabeth Kintner) Schmidt of Seattle, Chuck (Janie Becker) Schmidt of Newton, and William (Lori Voran) Schmidt of Wichita, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Bethel College Mennonite Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Bethel College or Bethel College Mennonite Church.