In Memory Of
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Keith Leonard Schmelzle
Seneca, Kansas
10/23/1956 - 04/06/2024
Keith Leonard Schmelzle, 67, of Seneca, KS, lost his courageous fight against cancer on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Sabetha Community Hospital in Sabetha.
Keith was born on October 23, 1956, in Seneca, to Leonard and Thelma Meyer Schmelzle. He attended St. Bede’s School in Kelly completing the 8th grade. He attended and graduated from Nemaha Valley High School with the class of 1974.
On April 25, 1992, he married Mary Jane McCoy at the United Methodist Church in Oneida. They lived on the Schmelzle home place southeast of Seneca, where the couple raised their family, farmed, and raised livestock.
Keith was employed by National-By-Products as a young man working first in the shop and later as a driver. He worked for Bob Sextro’s Dairy Operation from the last 1980’s until 1997. Keith was a dedicated employee for Chicago Rawhide, later known as SKF, until the factory closed in 2018. Prior to his retirement, he drove for Heinen Brothers.
Keith enjoyed farming, just as his ancestors did, on the family homestead. He found great peace and solitude fishing and hunting in his younger years. Keith took pride in raising a garden and sharing the fruits of his labor with those he loved. When not busy working on the farm he took great pleasure in water skiing, watching NASCAR races and indulging in black and white westerns, especially Gunsmoke.
Keith was a member of St. Bede’s Church in Kelly and attended the Oneida Methodist Church in Oneida, and a former member of the Son’s of America Legion.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard on October 8, 2008, and Thelma on December 13, 2013; and a sister, Jane Schmelzle on July 22, 2019.
Survivors are his wife of 32 years, Mary Jane Schmelzle; a son, Luke (Courtney) Schmelzle of Seneca; a daughter, Mika Schmelzle of Topeka; two sisters, Rebecca “Becky” Schmelzle of the Seneca and Diane Bach of Richfield, Minnesota; one brother, Dennis Schmelzle of Seneca; and a grandchild making their appearance in June.
A visitation and rosary will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., with a rosary being prayed at 7 P.M. at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Funeral Service will be 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday April 10, 2024, at the Oneida Methodist Church in Onedia. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Woodlawn, Kansas.
Memorials may be left in Keith’s memory to NCTC, Coins for a Cause and/or the Oneida Methodist Church in Oneida, sent in care of the family.
A visitation and rosary will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., with a rosary being prayed at 7 P.M. at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.
Funeral Service will be 10;30 A.M. on Wednesday April 10, 2024 at the Oneida Methodist Church in Onedia. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Woodlawn, Kansas.
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Condolences
M.J. I’m so sorry to hear about Keith. We’re thinkin about you and the kids. Sincerest sympathies from our family to yours. Give the kids a hug from us. So sorry………..
Keith’s family..you have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved Keith.
An old neighbor long ago up the road.
Bonnie Rettele Scott
My deepest sympathy to Keith’s family. Mat your memories give you comfort as you grief the loss of Keith. God’s Peace.
class of ‘74 Chrys Kussman Engelke
My deepest sympathy to Keith’s family. May your memories give you comfort as you grief the loss of Keith. God’s Peace.
class of ‘74 Chrys Kussman Engelke
Heartfelt sympathy to Mary Jane, and the rest of the Schmelze family
Mary Jane,
I’m sure you don’t remember me or my wife Cyndi. I’m Rob Henry originally from the Seneca area and ran crazy rampant with your husband for years. 😏 I heard of his illness a couple weeks ago and unfortunately couldn’t make it there before he passed. Please accept our condolences and know that we are there if you need anything! I will make it to Seneca on the 17th. I’m so sorry for your loss! He’s always been a great friend!
So sorry for your loss. Gary has lots of memories living with him. Lots of prayers
Mary Jane and family, I’m so sorry for your loss…many prayers headed your way!
May all he happy memories you have of Luke help ease the pain at this difficult time. Prayers to all. I remember him at school as a good hard worker and nice smile. He was always willing to help where needed.
To the Schmelzle family, sorry for your loss. Prayers to all the family.
Mary Jane and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you in these difficult times.