• In Memory Of

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Lawson Charles Schmelzle

Seneca, Kansas

05/18/2005 - 09/06/2021

Lawson Charles Schmelzle, 16, of Seneca, died on Monday, September 6, 2021, as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Lawson was welcomed into this world by his loving parents, Norman and Zena Kennedy Schmelzle on May 18, 2005, in San Diego, California.

Lawson grew up in the Seneca community, and was a Junior at Nemaha Central High School, Class of 2023.  He was a percussionist in the school band and a member of the high school golf team.

Lawson enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and riding around with friends. He spent every summer golfing and playing baseball in Kelly.  Lawson was known for doing backflips off anything, and always said “I just want to have fun”.   Lawson had a deep appreciation for music, knew all the words to songs of every genre and era, and was a self-taught drummer who played by ear.   Always carrying drum sticks, you would find him drumming on everything.

Most importantly, Lawson loved being around family and friends, and cherished the time they spent together.  He had a lot of bonus moms to whom he would shout out a “Hi, Mom,” followed by a hug!  He was always on the lookout for a good scare.  He loved to spend his hard-earned money on Dr. Pepper and cookies. Lawson could talk to anyone, and he will continue to stay with those who knew him through shared laughter and memories.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict.

Lawson is survived by his parents, Norman and Zena Kennedy Schmelzle of Seneca; siblings, Emmery, Grady and Rylee Schmelzle, all of the home; grandparents, Larry and Sharon Schmelzle of Oneida and Charles Kennedy of Holton; many aunts and uncles, and 44 first cousins.

Lawson was preceded in death by his grandmother, Virginia Kennedy on March 27, 2001.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Friday, September 10, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 11th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Seneca.

Memorials will be designated for the percussion section of the Nemaha Central High School Band and Kelly Ball Association.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Friday, September 10, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 11th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Seneca.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Friday, September 10, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 11th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Seneca.

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35 Comments

  1. Art and Joy Kellenberger on September 7, 2021 at 2:12 pm

    Dear Zena and family,
    We were so saddened to hear of your dear son’s passing! What a shock. We will keep you and all your family in our prayers and you certainly have our deepest sympathies! We pray that God will comfort your hearts during this very sad time.
    Our deepest sympathies,
    Art and Joy Kellenberger, Seth and Ruth

  2. Wendy Lierz on September 7, 2021 at 2:15 pm

    All I can hear is him running behind me at a St. Benedict ballgame yelling at me “get a haircut, hippie!” 🙂 He will be tremendously missed. A heart of gold who always took the time to stop and say hi and see what was new. Much love, hugs and prayers to each of you.

  3. Tammy Schmitz on September 7, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    He always would tell me hi & had a big smile & wave for me. Such a sweet kid with a big heart. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers. He will be missed!

  4. Jennie Atwood on September 7, 2021 at 3:19 pm

    I am thinking of you and your family Zena, and remembering what a sweet boy he was. I pray your memories will sustain you all during this impossible time.

  5. Brian Olberding on September 7, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    This breaks my heart!!! He was one of the kids I really loved coaching when we played baseball at St. Benedict. It was fun getting to see him at ballgames every year and see him grow into a nice young man. My boys were stunned when I told them what happened. Words can not convey my sorrow for your entire family. From our family to yours; our prayers and sympathy in your time of grief. Love The Olberdings; Brian, Mindy, Koy, Kade, Kalin, Kaylee and Kwin.

  6. Abby on September 7, 2021 at 3:53 pm

    Such a terrifying accident my heart goes out to the family❤️ I will always remember the times we snapped back and forth and the times I was going through rough times he was always there for me😞❤️ R.I.P. Lawson you’ll forever be missed.

  7. Laurie and Lee Wilson on September 7, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    Norm, Zena and family,
    We are praying for healing from this tragedy. May God bless you and may you gain strength from those around you.

    • Leddy rothers on September 7, 2021 at 8:14 pm

      Norman and family:
      My heart goes out to you.. such a tradgedy to endure. I’m at a loss for how to say how sorry I am for your loss of Lawson.. my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely. Leddy rothers- keever

  8. John and Carol Hulsing on September 7, 2021 at 5:56 pm

    Norm, Zena and family
    so sorry to hear this our thoughts and prayers are with you I will miss serving him 2nd breakfast and lunch at NC he was very pleasant he would always say ladies how are you doing and always said Thank You will miss his spunk,and smile.

  9. Mary Haug on September 7, 2021 at 5:59 pm

    Lawson always had a kind word, a jokey greeting, or a big wave whenever he would see me in the halls at school He was friendly with EVERYONE. I will miss seeing Lawson’s cheery smile all over the school.

  10. Christine Wecas on September 7, 2021 at 6:59 pm

    Zena and Family,
    I cannot imagine what you are experiencing at this time. My sympathies & prayers for all of you. May peace be with you all.
    God Bless,
    Chris Wecas

  11. Gina Clark on September 7, 2021 at 7:00 pm

    Zena and family,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you today and in all the days to come. May God comfort you and your family at this time.

  12. Joan akin on September 7, 2021 at 8:26 pm

    I didn’t know him but my heart goes out to you and your family . You have my deepest sympathy. Lots of prayers

  13. Joan akin on September 7, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    I didn’t know him but my heart goes out to your family. You have my deepest sympathy. Lots of prayers

  14. Monica (Olberding) Countryman on September 7, 2021 at 10:10 pm

    Norm and Family, I am heartbroken for your family. What a handsome young man with a fun spirit from the sounds of it. No words can console you but please know we will say extra prayers for the whole Schmelze family. Again I am so sorry.
    Monica (Olberding) Countryman and Family

  15. Clint and Mary Tegtmeier on September 7, 2021 at 11:01 pm

    Our deepest sympathies and prayers for your family, we are deeply saddened upon hearing of the loss of Lawson. May memories bring you peace.

  16. Sharon Karns on September 7, 2021 at 11:09 pm

    Zena and family, I am saddened and so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Prayers for all of your family.
    Sharon Karns

  17. Mike & Mitzi Aziere on September 8, 2021 at 3:32 am

    Norm and family,
    Condolences from the Aziere families in Oklahoma and Texas. You and your family will be in our hearts and prayers. God bless you and give you strength to carry on.

    Mike and Mitzi Aziere

  18. Bill and Delaina Miller on September 8, 2021 at 8:08 am

    Norman and Family
    Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son Lawson. May God bring you some peace and comfort in the days to come. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

    Bill and Delaina Miller

  19. Megan Montgomery on September 8, 2021 at 8:13 am

    Zena and family,
    Sympathy for the loss of your son. Prayers for peace and comfort for your family and friends.

    Megan Montgomery

  20. JMrs. Jean Harrison on September 8, 2021 at 8:25 am

    The Harrison family are heartbroken to hear of the loss of your son, Lawson. We are praying for you and Lawson’s siblings. May God bless you with strength to carry on. We are here for you.

  21. Fletcher Family on September 8, 2021 at 10:21 am

    Zena and family,

    We cannot imagine your deep sorrow. Thankfully as faithful parents you know the outcome- the wait until that reunion will be where you must lean on the rod and thy staff.

    Please know those near and far are praying for your comfort.

    Deepest sympathies,
    Brett, Carly, Taygen, and Jayden Fletcher
    Circleville, KS

  22. Amy & Larry Kuckelman on September 8, 2021 at 10:36 am

    Lawson used to call me “Mrs. Cookieman,” from way back in religion class (cookie nights were favorites). In school, a kind boy with a lot of spirit made me smile. Much love to your whole family.

  23. Sue Rhoads on September 8, 2021 at 1:28 pm

    My deepest sympathy to the Schmelzle family. Lawson always greeted me at school with “Hey, Miss Sue”. I’m really going to miss that. He was such a kind kid. He was also onry (in a good way) and I feel blessed having known him. May your memories of Lawson help you find comfort.

  24. Michelle Massey Jones on September 8, 2021 at 8:46 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God wrap his arms around you as you grieve. Sincerest condolences.

  25. Leonard & Eula Swindale on September 8, 2021 at 10:34 pm

    The heart remembers most what it has loved best. May memories comfort you & bring you peace. Hugs!

  26. Jenni (Rehl) Banaka on September 9, 2021 at 4:31 am

    To Zena and family:
    So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. My heart breaks for you.

  27. Barbara Mattox on September 9, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    Zena and family, So sorry to hear about your son. Please know you have my prayers of comfort.
    Sincerely, Barbara Mattox.

  28. Rob Strathman on September 10, 2021 at 12:08 pm

    Dear Norm and Family,

    I was so saddened to hear this shocking news. Our heart goes out to you at this time of grief.
    Please know that you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

    Sincerely, Rob and Jennifer Strathman

  29. Bruce and Judy Larkin on September 10, 2021 at 12:33 pm

    Dear Norm and family . Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family
    Bruce and Judy Larkin

  30. James johnson on September 10, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    Work with Lawson at Freddy’s pizza fun to work with will miss him great loss sorry for your loss

  31. Neal and Brenda Hammes Family on September 11, 2021 at 8:21 am

    Our deepest sympathy to your family. Our prayers are with you all during this time.

  32. Cathryn on September 11, 2021 at 8:57 pm

    Zena & family, I know you only thru Charles. Thru these many tributes, I can feel Lawson’s spirit. Needless to say, my heart aches for each of you.

  33. Jackie and Roger McAsey on September 12, 2021 at 7:02 am

    Zena and family,
    God bless you and keep you in his loving care during this difficult time.
    Roger and Jackie McAsey

  34. Heather Norris on September 13, 2021 at 11:15 am

    What an inexplainable amount of emotions I feel—- I am angry and sad, and my heart is bleeding for you. May the strength of your family and church help you shoulder this tremendous burden of loss—- and please find comfort that more people than you will ever realize, care for you and your family.

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