Frederick J. Schmidt Sr.

Frederick J. Schmidt, Sr., 78, of Topeka, passed away August 25, 2011 at St. Francis Health Center. He was born January 11, 1933 in Jersey City, NJ the son of Frederich and Martha (Dahlman) Schmidt. Frederick was a career military veteran of the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam. He retired in 1973 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He was awarded the bronze star. After his retirement from the military, Frederick worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. for over twelve years. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Post #400 of the American Legion, Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW and the United Steel Workers Local # 307. Frederick was married to Mary Ann Burghart on October 13, 1956 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include six sons, Frederick Schmidt, Jr. (Rose) of Mayetta, Kurt Schmidt of Topeka, Franz Schmidt of Floresville, TX, Karl Schmidt of Topeka, Kyle Schmidt (Julie) of Kansas City, MO and Derek Schmidt of Overbrook, one daughter Heidi Schiefelbein (Mark) of Topeka and one sister Elsie Tuttle of Manchester, NJ. Ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive. Mr. Schmidt will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Christ the King Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. Private inurnment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Christ the King Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.