George Thomas Schmutz

OBITUARY INFORMATION

"Junction City Union," Junction City, KS, "Obituaries," about January 26, 1938:

    George Thomas Schmutz was born October 25, 1868, in a log cabin near Alida, Kansas, and died January 26, 1938, in the Junction City hospital, after an illness of ten days, at the age of 69 years, 3 months, and 1 day.

He lived on the farm of his birth until moving to Junction City, Kansas, in August 1921.
He was the youngest son of Nicholas Schmutz who, in 1861, was the first settler in the Alida community, while the Indians still roamed this region.
As a lad, George knew the hardships of life on the plains, and spent his early years herding cattle for his father.
It was his privilege to witness the coming of the settlers; breaking up of the prairie sod; to help establish homes, schools, and churches. To this end he was aggressive and spared not of his means or resources. These experiences developed in him habits of thrift, frugality, and honesty, sacrifice, and neighborliness that were characteristic of the pioneers. However, his foremost interest was the building of Christian homes and a Christian training for his children.
Mr. Schmutz was converted early in life, under the influence of the Alida Evangelical church, of which he immediately became a member. In this church of his choice, he served God faithfully and commendably; several years as Sunday School superintendent and other church offices.
On Nov. 16, 1892, he was united in marriage with Bertha May Geist. Together they lived on the farm first settled by his father. This father and son ownership of the land has extended through a period of 77 years. In the year 1921, he with his family retired to Junction City, Kas., and joined the Church of the Nazarene, in which they served God faithfully until He called them from labor to their eternal reward.
His companion preceded him in death on August 30, 1935. He is survived by eight children, Boyde [sic] of Junction City; Mrs. Fred Baer, Chapman, Kas.; Earl E. of Herington, Kans.; Mrs. Lewis Hahn, Rose Hill, Iowa; L. J. of Hays, Kans; Lawrence, Denver Colorado; Mrs. Harry Hahn, Wilton Junction, Iowa; and Irene Schmutz, of Junction City; and 13 grandchildren; one brother E. A. of Emporia, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Stamm of Sedgwick, Kan.
Brother Schmutz has come to the "End of the Road." He lived actively and aggressively throughout his life span.
His vigorous habits and neighborliness will long be remembered.
He was a faithful companion, a loving father and a kind friend; leaving a great heritage which is a challenge to carry on by those who loved and admired him.
Like Paul, he could say "I have fought a good fight, I have finished by 'course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me; and not to me only, but to all of them also that love His appearing.
PROBATE INFORMATION

Page 92, Geary County, Kansas, Record of Wills, #2996, Exhibit A:

Requests that just debts be paid as soon as convenient. Bequeaths all property, real, personal, or mixed, to his wife, Bertha May Schmutz, for the term of her life. After her death, bequeaths remaining estate to his eight living children, Boyd Samuel Schmutz, Earl Edgar Schmutz, Mabel Baer, Esther Hahn, Lester John Schmutz, Lawrence G. Schmutz, Nellie Schmutz, and Irene Schmutz, and their heirs, share and share alike. Appoints his wife, Bertha May Schmutz, as Executrix of the will and requests that she not be required to give bond. Witnessed by A. J. Schmedemann and Charles H. Gove. Entered into probate January 31, 1938. Witnesses testified to the date of the Will, May 10, 1924.