Freddie Wayne Schmidt was born June 28, 1933, to Francis and Lenora (Kooistra) Schmidt, near Searsboro, Iowa.

He attended school in New Sharon through his freshman year and later graduated from Sully High School, where he was an All-State running back and also played basketball. Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954, was a sharpshooter and marksman, and was honorably discharged in 1956. His patriotism and love of country lasted throughout his lifetime.

On June 16, 1953, he was united in marriage to Helen Vander Leest in Sully, Iowa. Together they welcomed six daughters and later numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren during their 72 years together. Fred was fiercely dedicated to his family.

Fred was unflappable and a lifelong champion of the underdog. He accepted Christ at age 14 after seeing a televised Billy Graham crusade. His dedication to serving others and his humility were hallmarks of his walk with Jesus, a faith that shaped how he treated everyone he met.

His love of sports continued throughout his life. He played men’s fast-pitch softball, coached his girls in softball, ran the clock for many years at L-S football and basketball games, and loved watching his grandkids play sports.

Fred owned and operated Schmidt Lumber for more than 60 years. He also served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Sully Lions Club, served on the Sully City Council and the Jasper County Board, was a prolific blood donor, and was a member and deacon at Sully Community Church.

Helen once quipped that Fred was so friendly he could talk to a fence post. He treated everyone the same and cared deeply about truth and justice.

Fred loved animals and the outdoors. He spent many hours hunting and fishing with friends, children, and grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends and sharing funny stories. One friend said, “Every time I saw Fred I laughed and learned something or remembered something true.”

Fred’s life was defined by his faith, his dedication to family, and his quiet, steady presence. Whether running the clock at a game, winning another hand of cards, or casting a fishing line with grandchildren, he left a lasting mark on the people and community he loved.

Fred passed away on March 4, 2026, just six weeks after his beloved Helen. He was surrounded by his daughters, and we know the first face he saw clearly in many years was Jesus.

Those left to cherish his memory:

Jacqueline Sue Van Wyk

   Heather (Matt) Zylstra

      Noah (Ashley)

         Eleanor, Murphy, Jolene

      Sage, Lily Helen

   Heidi (Jeff) Corbett

      Elizabeth (Mason) Gannaway

         Mia

      Abigail, Sophia, Benjamin, Hudson

   Nathan (Elizabeth) Van Wyk

      Samuel, Jude, Ava, Rowan

Jocelyn (Steve) Beyer

   Kristal (Derrick) Christopherson

   Jamie Beyer

Jerilyn (Dwight) Van Weelden

   Eric (Amy) Van Weelden

      Ashlyn, Shae, Brody

   Troy (Josey) Van Weelden

      TJ, Clara

   Derek (Allison) Van Weelden

      Sheldyn, Barrett, Wyatt

   Kaylee (Scott) Thornhill

      Elliott, Evangeline, Theodore

Joelyn William (Andy) Hutchins

   Bailey, Caleb, Drew

Janna (Jim) Goodrich

   Zachary (Mari Anna) Goodrich

      Hosannah (deceased)

      Bonnie, Shiloh

   Emily (Gabe) Tramm

      Chloe, Lucia, Mable

   Miriam (Josh) Johnson

      Landon, Colton, Willow, Ember, Juniper

Janel (Mike) Hay

   Malcolm, Jakeira

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Helen, parents Francis and Lenora Schmidt, parents-in-law Cornelius and Mary Vander Leest, great granddaughter Hosannah Goodrich, grandson-in-law Steve Squires, and all his siblings: Mary Lois (Earl) Vande Krol, Barbara (Bob) Sexton, Norma Jean (Bruce) Conover, and Sam (Rosemary) Schmidt.

Memorials may be given to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or the East Iowa Bible Camp.