Fred H. Schmidtke

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Fred Schmidtke, age 79, formerly of Strain, MO, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in St. James, MO.

Fred Henry Schmidtke was born October 31, 1939 to Henry and Lois (Schreiber) Schmidtke at Caldwell, IA. He grew up and attended school near Caldwell where his family’s farm was located.  Being the eldest child in his family, much was required of him so he worked on the family farm as a young boy until he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served our country in Vietnam.  Fred was very proud of his time in the service as well as his grandson, Michael who served his country in the U.S. Navy. After his stint in the Army, he came back to Sullivan to make his home.  Fred was united in marriage to June Paneitz (Landwehr) on July 12, 1969 and together, they blended their families into one.  Fred came into the marriage with two children, Scott and Julie, and June came in to the marriage with three children: Randy, Candy, and Kim. 

Fred worked for many years with Fidelity Communications both as an installer and trouble-shooting repair technician. After retiring in 2002, Fred and June enjoyed many years of travelling together as well as spending time at the river. Over the years, he loved collecting rocks and arrowheads from his travels. His hobbies included fishing, woodworking, and gardening. Fred stayed very active with the VFW and American Legion. He was a member of the Champion City Methodist Church, and took a special interest in St. Labre Indian School and The National Arbor Foundation.

Fred is survived by his wife, June (Landwehr) Schmidtke; two sons, Randy Paneitz and wife, Kelly of Sullivan, MO, Scott Schafer and wife, Robin of Rockford, IA; three daughters, Candy Key and husband, Blake of Sullivan, Kim Rogers and husband, Mike of Leslie, MO, Julie Begeman and husband, Craig of Charles City, IA; two brothers, Roy Schmidtke and wife, Laura of Bourbon, MO, and David Schmidtke; two sisters, Evelyn of Sullivan, Carol of Texas; twelve grandchildren:  Dane, Mitch, Holly, Chelsey, Jason, Ryan, Mamie, Michael, Jennifer, Jessi, Lindsey, Lauren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dale Schmidtke; and a sister, Virginia Schmidtke.

Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO with Pastor Mary Avizenis officiating.  Burial with full military honors will be at Champion City Cemetery in Leslie, MO.

Visitation was from 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO.

Memorial contributions can be made to Champion City Methodist Church in Leslie, MO.

Friends may send online condolences to the Schmidtke family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.

Sullivan Independent News

Sullivan Independent News
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