Paul J. Schmidt

Paul J. Schmidt, 79, of rural Effingham (Green Creek), passed away at his home on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 25, 2014, surrounded by his family.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Help of Christian Church, Green Creek, with the Rev. Sunder Ery officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church, with a 6 p.m. parish wake service followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary. Memorial donations may be made to FMU Brazilian Missions. Bauer Funeral Home, Effingham, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.bauerfh.com.

Paul was born May 1, 1935, in Effingham County, the son of Laurence J. Schmidt and Frances Schumacher. He married H. Marie Hawickhorst on July 26, 1958, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Teutopolis. Paul grew up on the family farm, located on the banks of the Little Wabash River in a neighborhood known as Bull Flat. He was a lifelong farmer on this same farm, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and conscientious neighbor. He spent many years as a bulldozer contractor, building many area ponds, waterways and roadways for other area farmers. He also ran a small sawmill on the farm. Paul enjoyed his time on the family farm, spending many hours in the swing enjoying the company of his family and friends. We will miss him.

Paul was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Help of Christian Church and the Holy Name Society, serving in numerous leadership roles. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56 and was a member of the American Legion Post 924 in Teutopolis. Paul was a dedicated member of the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus since 1953, where he served in various capacities including Grand Knight, Board Trustee, holding council offices, and member of the 4th Degree. The Knights had recently honored him by electing him to their 2013 Hall of Fame.

Paul is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marie Schmidt of rural Effingham, IL; eight children, Tom of Effingham (Green Creek), Sue (Larry) Esker of Teutopolis, Beth (Doug) Mammoser of Island Grove, John (Sara Schumacher) Schmidt of Champaign, Lora (Dale) Repking of Bishop Creek, Anne (Mike) Wilson of Effingham, Ben (Jean Brokish) Schmidt of Pavilion, N.Y., and Ellen (Tony) Hann of Effingham; 17 grandchildren, Jason and Brad Esker, Diana (Jon) Krusen, Nick and Katie Mammoser, Lauren (Ben McGhee) Schmidt, Chloe Schmidt, Matt (Kim) Repking, Stephen (Rebekah) Repking, Tony and Emma Repking, Zach, Morgan and Jessica Wilson, Cicely Brokish, and Derek and Jackson Hann; and one great-grandchild, Owen Repking.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings, Clara, Clarence, Josephine Armin, Norbert, MaryAnn Althoff, Celeste Reiss, Joseph “Joe”, Leo and Louis.