In Memory of Edward Ernest "Ed" Schmidt

Edward Ernest “Ed” Schmidt, age 91, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Friday, January 21, 2022, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 28, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Eugene Tolstedt will officiate. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa, with military rites conducted by Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the Battle Creek American Legion.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Edward “Ed” Ernest Schmidt, the son of Ernest and Margaret (Feddersen) Schmidt, was welcomed into this life on Tuesday, December 09, 1930, in Battle Creek, Iowa. Growing up in rural Battle Creek, Ed received his education and graduated valedictorian with the class of 1948 from Battle Creek High School. During his high school years, Ed played on the BC Eagles basketball team alongside his brother Tom.  

After graduation, Ed continued his education at Iowa State University before enlisting into the United States Army in 1955. While enlisted Ed was stationed overseas in Hawaii where he served as a CH-47 Helicopter Repairer. After his two-year tour of duty, Ed was honorably discharged in 1957. After his discharge, Ed enlisted in the Army Reserves where he served another four years and was honorably discharge from the reserves in 1961. 

On October 12, 1958, Ed married the love of this life Judith “Judy” Lucille Lehmann in the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. The couple settled down in rural Battle Creek and were blessed with four children: Jason, Deron, Kendra, and Andrea.   

A lifelong farmer, Ed began farming with his father, Ernest and then independently. He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served in many roles and taught adult Bible school for over 30 years. Over the years, Ed served on the local school board and on the Board of Directors for the First State Bank for 41 years. He was an inaugural member of the BC Lions Club and a past member of Perseverance Masonic Lodge # 449 of Battle Creek, Iowa. In his later years he enjoyed bowling on the local men’s league and couple’s league with his wife, Judy. 

Ed treasured his family, especially his grandchildren. He also loved spending time fishing at the lake. He will be remembered for his compassion, brevity, and his wonderful words of wisdom. Heaven has been blessed with a truly admirable man who will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years Judy Schmidt of Battle Creek, IA; children: Jason Schmidt of Battle Creek, IA, Deron (Tracey) Schmidt of Battle Creek, IA, Kendra Schmidt and James Drewery of Canton, OH and Andrea (Jason) Nielsen of Battle Creek, IA; grandchildren: Ryne (Kristin) Schmidt, Teel (Ashley) Schmidt, Skye Schmidt, Dylan (Tiffany) Schmidt, Shelby Schmidt and Brad Siebersma, Joey Hayes, Summit Nielsen, Denali Nielsen and Kenai Nielsen; great-grandchildren: Cade, Bronx, Boston, Taytum, Elyse, Hannah, Tucker and Mariah; extended family and friends. 

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Margaret Schmidt; brothers Richard (Sandra) Schmidt and Thomas (Donna) Schmidt; sister Barbara (Thurmond) Johnson; and granddaughter Shaina Lynn Schmidt.