Edmund "Ed" Schmitz

Edmund P. Schmitz (Ed), 91, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026. He was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, and cousin. He was a grandfather to 15, a great-grandfather to 30, and a great-great-grandfather to 12. 

Edmund was born in Philbrook, Minnesota, to Theodore and Veronica Schmitz. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane (Miller); infant son, Edwin; grandson, Raymond; son-in-law, John Eisenbart; brothers Bernard, Wilfred, John, Edward, Edwin, and Arnold; and sister, Mary Brenner. 

He is survived by his children, Rosalie Eisenbart, Sharon Ramos (Alfredo Orona), Edmund Schmitz Jr. (Ramona), and Michael Schmitz (Sonia); his brother, Sylvester Schmitz; his sister, Mathilda Petermeier (Romie); and sisters-in-law Betty, Mathilda, and Myrna. 

Ed was proud of his service in the United States Air Force. He began his military career at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, and went on to serve at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, Morón Air Base near Seville, Spain, Glasgow Air Force Base in Montana, and Andersen Air Force Base on Guam. He was a veteran of the Korean War. 

After retiring from the Air Force as a TSGT, Ed began a second career in Quality Control with Jennie-O in Minnesota. Following that retirement, he met and married Diane Miller. Together, they embarked on an adventure that took them throughout the United States, planting trees as part of an environmental conservation program. 

When that chapter of their lives came to an end, Ed and Diane settled in Medina, Ohio, where Diane resumed her nursing career and Ed turned his attention to one of his many passions: gardening. He grew and sold fabulous vegetables, became a beekeeper and county apiary inspector, and bottled and sold his own honey. His creativity and ingenuity eventually led him to patent a movable top entrance for beehives and establish Country Flower Honey Farm, Inc., where he built and sold the entrances. 

Ed was also instrumental in cultivating a strong community of beekeepers and farmers. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded lifetime membership in the Medina County Beekeepers Association. His enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to mentor others left a lasting impression, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. 

In his later years, Ed lived in Haysville, Kansas, and Via Christi Village Ridge in Wichita. He cherished the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. At Via Christi Village, he also became known for playing a mean game of checkers with his friends. 

Ed had many interests and talents. He loved hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, canning, and cooking. He had a remarkable ability to fix almost anything and was always willing to share his knowledge or lend a helping hand. Whether working in his garden, tending his bees, telling stories, or helping someone solve a problem, Ed approached life with curiosity, determination, and generosity. 

Ed will be remembered for his wisdom, wonderful stories, laughter, hugs, and the many lives he touched throughout his 91 years. He will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends. 

Per Ed’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorial donations may be made to Phoenix Hospice, 3450 N. Rock Rd., Bldng. 200, Suite 213, Wichita, KS 67226. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Phoenix Hospice and Via Christi Village Ridge for their compassion and dedicated care.