Ronald K Schmidt

Ronald "Ronnie" K. Schmidt was born on April 16, 1942, in Goessel, Kansas, to Ferd and Edna Schmidt. He was the second of four children born to this union. He passed away at his home on May 15, 2026.

He attended Maple Hill, a one-room schoolhouse, before moving to the newly built Countryside School. He walked about a mile and a half to school each day, or if he cut across the field, maybe only half a mile. He then attended Goessel High School, where he enjoyed playing softball and basketball. His love for basketball stayed with him throughout his life. He still carried a photo of his high school basketball team in his wallet. In 1960, Ronnie graduated from Goessel High School. Ronnie attended Tabor Mennonite Church, where he was baptized on May 17, 1957.

On September 19, 1964, he married his sweetheart, Judy Kochenower, at First Methodist Church in Newton, Kansas, which resulted in 53 years of marriage. After they were married they resided in Denver, Colorado for one year while Ronnie completed the remainder of his two year I-W service where he worked in the records department. In 1966, they moved back to Kansas and bought their first farm together in rural Lehigh. During this time, they were blessed with two children. Kimberly was born May 19, 1967, and Craig was born September 10, 1969.

Ronnie worked at Hesston Corporation for about 10 years before leaving to farm full-time alongside his father, who was experiencing health issues. Farming was Ronnie’s passion, especially harvest season spent working side by side with his brother, Larry. He also enjoyed raising cattle, something he continued doing until the time of his death.

In the late 1970s, Ronnie was one of the first farmers in the area to purchase a round baler. He and Jerry Schroeder teamed up to do custom baling together, Jerry handled the swathing, while Ronnie did the baling. His days were long, often beginning early in the morning and stretching late into the night before Ronnie returned home to finish chores.

Ronnie dearly loved his family. He enjoyed attending his children’s sporting events and teaching them about farm life. Later in life, he faithfully followed his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, trying not to miss many until declining health in recent years made attending more difficult. His grandchildren meant the world to him, and he often spoke of how proud he was of each of them.

Ronnie also enjoyed watching NASCAR. He frequently talked about his red-and-white 1956 Chevy and how he wished he had kept it. He was an avid fan of K-State women’s basketball, along with K-State football and basketball. He also looked forward to his sister Sharon’s Sunday morning phone calls, where they would often visit for hours.

Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Kim Lewis and husband Jerry, and their children: Tyler Schmidt (Sara), Trey Schmidt, and Brandon Lewis (Hailey); and by his son, Craig Schmidt and wife Jody, and their children: Jayce Schmidt (fiance Olivia Duerksen), Jerah Schmidt (Danielle), Javin Schmidt, and Jayley Schmidt; brother Jerol Schmidt (DeLome) and sister Sharon Schroeder (Richard). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Judy Kochenower, parents, and brother Larry Schmidt.

Ronnie will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he touched with his wisdom, work ethic, and love for family.

A funeral service for Ronnie will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Goessel Church in Goessel, Kansas. Burial will follow at Tabor Mennonite Church Cemetery. Friends may pay respects at a visitation the evening prior, Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, Kansas. The family will be present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Memorials are suggested to the Marion County 4-H Council with the money earmarked for the Goesel Goal Getters 4-H club. This may be left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home, Newton, Kansas.