John G. Schmidt, Jr.

John G. Schmidt, Jr., 88, of Topeka, left this world peacefully on March 22, 2015. He was born October 28, 1926 in Chicago, IL the son of John G., Sr. and Florence (Hefner) Schmidt. John graduated from Capitol Catholic High School. He attended Washburn University and earned a BS in Engineering from the University of Kansas. He was a very well-known and respected Civil Engineer and Licensed Land Surveyor. He helped with the development of Colly Creek and Lake Sherwood development along with many other notable areas in Topeka. He worked in his own firm for 44 years, Schmidt Engineering Company retiring in 2007 due to an injury. He was a member of the American Legion Post 400, the Moose Lodge #555, KU Alumni Association, along with several surveying and engineering organizations. John enjoyed spending his past time playing card games, listening to classic country music, journaling and was an avid reader. John married Rosalie L. Christiason in 1944. She preceded him in death on August 24, 1963. He then married Gloria Ann McNary on June 30, 1966. She preceded him in death on May 7, 1999. He is survived by five children, J. Steven (Lisa) Schmidt of Vallejo, CA, Tim (Patti) Schmidt of Sausalito, CA, Greg Christiansen of Fountain Hills, AZ, Diane (Paul) Jacobs of Berryton, KS, Jayne (Al) Logue of Topeka, two sisters, Lorraine (Armon) Wegerer of Chicago, IL, Rosemary Smith of Wichita, KS, and a companion, Treva Horst of Topeka. Eleven Grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren also survive. He was also preceded in death by a son, David Schmidt, December 27, 2002, a sister, Florence "Babe" Grubb, two brothers, Richard and Raymond Schmidt. He will lie in state after 2:00 P.M. Monday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will greet friends from 5:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honor provided by American Legion Post #421. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be used "To Pay it Forward" in John's memory, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.