ULYSSES – Walter D. Schmidt, 94, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Bethel Home in Montezuma.
He was born June 21, 1931 to Daniel and Lena Koehn Schmidt.
He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Aug. 18, 1947, at the age of 16 by his stepfather, Minister Henry B. Koehn.
He married Alda Koehn Jan. 10, 1954. She preceded him in death March 30, 2007.
He worked for many years at the Co-op Elevator and Feed Mill in Moundridge. He enjoyed visiting with all the farmers who came there.
The family moved to Buhl, Idaho, in 1976, where he realized his dream of having a farm/dairy for four years. In the fall of 1983, they moved to Ulysses, where he retired after working at the Co-op Feed Mill and serving as a custodian at the Methodist Church.
He married Rosa Koehn March 9, 2008. She preceded him in death July 6, 2019.
Survivors incldue his children: Norma and Carl Koehn, Rosanna Schmidt, Ulysses, Dennis and Tammy Schmidt, Galva, Kennard Schmidt, Ulysses, Carolyn Schmidt, and Virginia and David Friesen, Paris, Texas; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; Rosa’s family: James and Donna Koehn, Inez, Texas, John Koehn, Wittman, Ariz., Darlene and Jim McGuire, Hesston, Ronda and Glenn May, Stacyville, Iowa, and Rachel and Steve Romero, Wittman, Ariz.; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and sister, Susie and Benjamin Parra, Albuquerque, N.M.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Phil Schmidt; brother, Daniel (who died in infancy); five half-brothers; five half-sisters; another half-brother, George, who died in infancy; seven stepbrothers; and three stepsisters.
• Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 at the Garden View Mennonite Church near Halstead, with Ministers Larry Koehn, Linford Holderman and Stuart Jantzen presiding.
Burial will follow in the Garden View Mennonite Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.
Memorial contributions may be given to Bethel Home in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.
Condolences may be left at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
