Raymond Schmitz, 90, of Seneca died on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

He was born June 6, 1931, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, the son of Frank A. and Augusta Droge Schmitz. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Benedict High School. Shortly after high school he enlisted in the United States National Guard; he was honorably discharged after his service in the Korean War. He assisted his brothers and his father on the family farm for years.

He married Joan Weber on November 26, 1958 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict.  The couple made their home and farmed in the St. Benedict community.  In 1996, they “retired” and moved to Seneca. Raymond was an active member of the St. Mary’s Parrish where he taught CCD for many years. He was a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1769 in Seneca, Axtell American Legion post 214. Raymond was active in 4-H as a club leader and a Nemaha County Fair Board Member. Raymond served on the Nemaha County COOP Board from 1975 to 1984and the Farmland Industry National Board of Directors from 1987 thru 1996. One of Raymond’s proudest memories was being a founding investor in the Community National Bank and serving as a Chairman of the Board from 1984 to 2001. After slowing down from farming, Raymond enjoyed spending time at the rest home “Reminiscing” with the residents. He also wrote a book called Reminiscing with Raymond.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by three brothers, Gerald in 1952, Edwin in 1981 and Leon in 2009; and two sisters, Genevieve “Genny” Nolte in 2002 and Sr. Melita Schmitz in 2008.

He is survived by his wife of 62 ½ plus years, his children, Ray L. (Mary) Schmitz of Baileyville, Gary (Anita) Schmitz of Seneca, Sharon (Chris) Burger of Sabetha, Bryan (Janet) Schmitz of Baileyville and Dona (Grady) Ratliff of St Mary’s; grandchildren, Michelle Darnall, Tyler Schmitz, Brandon Schmitz, Ashley Schmitz, Zachary Burger, Logan Burger, Bailey Lierz, Erin Schmitz, Evan Schmitz, Mia Schmitz, Rylan Ratliff and Kennedy Ratliff; and great-grandchildren, Carter Darnall, Elmer Lierz and Maren Schmitz. Raymond loved spending time watching any of his grandkids’ events, as well as playing any of the good German card games like Pinochle.

Rosaries will be prayed at Lauer Funeral Home on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 2 & 7 PM.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Tuesday morning, July 20^th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Full Military Services will be provided by the Axtell American Legion.

Memorials may be left in Raymond’s memory to St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery and Building Fund.