Ronald A. Ronnie Spc. Schmidt
August 3, 2008
NEWTON - Schmidt, Spc. Ronald A. “Ronnie”, 18, Army National Guard specialist, died Sunday, August 3, 2008 while serving in Iraq. Visitation with the family, 6:00-8:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 12, Downing Lahey Mortuary West in Wichita and 9:00-10:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 13, Grace Community Church in Newton. Services, 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 13, Grace Community Church. The procession will leave the church at 12:00 P.M., en route to Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka. The procession should arrive at the cemetery at approximately 1:30 P.M. Ronnie was born in Newton and moved as a small child to Eureka. While growing up, he was always following close behind his grandfather, Fritz. The two were the best of friends. When he was 10 years old in the year 2000, he lost his grandfather. At the age of 12, he lost his father, Brian. That year he moved to Newton and attended Santa Fe Middle School and graduated in 2007 from Newton High School. Ronnie was a strong young man who loved a challenge and wanted to be the best at whatever he was competing in. He lettered in wrestling all four years of high school. He loved to go trail riding in the mountains of Colorado with his uncle, Paul, and loved to work on his car with his very good friend, Larry Nuehring. During his senior year, he joined the Army National Guard and became a “M” day soldier. After high school graduation, he went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, followed immediately by AIT training in Fort Sill, OK. On the last day of his AIT training, he was informed that he would be attending readiness training at Fort Bliss, TX. The following January he was deployed to Iraq and was stationed at Camp Ashraf and was a gunner in the alpha Humvee running routes for IEDs. Ronnie was a brave, dedicated and determined soldier. This young hero was loved and will truly be missed. GOD BLESS OUR HERO. Preceded in death by father, Brian Schmidt; grandparents, Alfred “Fritz” Schmidt, Betty Schmidt, Beatrice Serrato, and Raymond Salas, Jr. Survivors: mother, Andrea Schmidt of Newton; aunts and uncles, Paul and Laura Schmidt of Goddard, Mark Schmidt of Hastings, MI; two half-brothers. Memorial established with USD 373, for the “Ronnie Schmidt Wrestling Memorial Fund”, c/o Newton High School, 900 W. 12th, Newton, KS 67114.
Visitation with the family, 6:00-8:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 12, Downing Lahey Mortuary West and 9:00-10:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 13, Grace Community Church in Newton
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Dear Schmidt Family, I never had the privilege of meeting Ronnie, but he sounds like he was an exceptional young man. My heart goes out to you for your lose. My sincerest sympathies. Love,
I just want to say Im very sorry for your loss of your son what a brave man he was . He was serving over there with My son Derrick,and they graduated high school the same year. My son said he was a good friend to him. They worked out in the gym together.He was so full of life is how my son put it I know it must be hard for you I could only imagine how hard.I just pray you find peace in knowing he died fighting for everyone of us and I want you to know I will keep you in my prayers.
To Ronnie’s family Wanting you to know that I am deeply touched by the sacrifice of his life that Ronnie made in his service for our country. I pray for you to feel our Lord’s strength today and in the days ahead, knowing that in the future there will be a joyful reuniting with your dear one. With Christ’s love,
We all knew him as a little boy and was proud that he chose to serve his country as a man, he will be missed by us all. A good friend and brave soldier, with love and deep sadness; Alicia Gritz, Mona Davidson, and Stephanie Williams
My son is SPC Benjamin Rogers, a medic with the 1-161. He asked that I let you know that he worked with Ronnie regularly. Ben respected him; he was a good person and soldier. Ben says he looks around and is reminded of Ronnie everyday. He enjoyed sharing stories NHS and of living in Newton with Ronnie. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
To Andrea, Paul, Laura and other family members. We are so sorry and for his life to be shorten so soon on this earth. We are all very proud that Ronnie had the courage and strength by going to Iraq for all of us here in America. Ronnie gave such a price and we will never forget. Sincerely, Merrill and Barbara (Doyle)Martindale and Esther Doyle
To Ronnie’s family, Please know that my heart and prayers are with you.I didn’t know him, but my kid’s half brother(Travis Davis)was a fellow soldier and friend of Ronnie’s in Iraq. Travis will always be near and dear to me, so this hit especially close to home for me. They were in the same convoy on Aug. 3rd. Cherish your memories, and may it help even in some small way to know that others care, and really appreciate the fact that your son served our country and fought for our freedom. I will always love him for that. Sincere thoughts from a loving Mom!!
My name is Amanda Cline, my husband Kenneth Cline is serving in the 161st at camp Ashraf. I am sorry to have received the news of your beloved sons passing. I dont know your family on a personal level, but wish to express my deepest sympathy. I am thankful for your sons service to the 161st and his service to our country. I am also thankful to you Mrs. Schmidt for your service to our unit and country as well being Ronalds Mother. Ronald’s family is also appreciated for their service to our unit and country as they have served as being Ronald’s family. I believe Jesus has experienced the same grief that you are feeling right now and He is by your side going through this with you. I have asked Him to comfort you and your family,as his ways are best.
On behalf of the Newton Public Schools, I want to extend our condolences to you. Ronnie served as an example of tenacity to other students while he was at Newton High School. I hope that the way he lived his life will serve as an example to others who follow in his footsteps.
Ronnie was in my sons unit it Iraq. We are all so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many. We will be praying for your family though this difficult time and for all of the men and woman who continue to assist in the Iraq efforts.
We can be proud of Ronnie for doing so much with the short life he had. Our sympathies to Andrea, Paul and Laura and the rest of his family.
I do not know you, but wanted to give my sincere sympathy in the loss of your son. It is a true tragedy to lose a child. I too just lost my son July 24th, not from war, he just died, and we do not know why yet. If you need to vent to someone who understands, please feel free to e-mail me. Again, my deepest sympathy to your family.
ronnie was a wonderful young man who made the ultimate sacrifice. im very glad to have known him. condolonces to the dennett family also. they were very much family to ronnie.