Mary Ann Schmidt

Mary Ann Schmidt, 89, of Topeka, passed away September 6, 2023, at a local assisted living facility.  She was born June 9, 1934, in Topeka to George John Burghart and Amalia Catherine (Prediger) Burghart.  Mary Ann was the youngest of ten siblings.  She grew up in the Little Russia community in Topeka and attended St. Joseph Grade School.

Mary Ann married Frederick John Schmidt on October 13, 1956, at St. Joseph Church in Topeka.  He preceded her in death on August 25, 2011.  Mary Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker.  As a military wife, she raised her children on six US Air Force Bases, including in the Philippines.  She was known for her love of her family, rooting for the KU Jayhawks and the Kansas City Royals, playing bingo, and her love of gardening.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Frederick Jr., brothers: George (Margaret) Burghart, Godfrey (Virginia) Burghart, Jacob (Susanna) Burghart and Johnny Burghart; sisters: Molly (Virgil) Taylor, Elizabeth (Joseph) Sommers, Barbara (Lucien) Hotte, Helen Streeter, and Rose (Herman) Rohr; sister-in-law Elsie Tuttle and brother-in-law Jack Tuttle.

Survivors include five sons: Kurt Schmidt of Topeka, Franz (Barbara) Schmidt of Floresville, Texas, Karl (Michelle) Schmidt of Roy, Washington, Kyle (Julie) Schmidt of Lees Summit, Derek (Patricia) Schmidt of Overbrook; one daughter: Heidi (Mark) Schiefelbein of Topeka; and daughter-in-law Rose Schmidt.  Mary Ann leaves behind ten grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many, many nieces and nephews.

She will lie in state from 4-8:00 P.M., with the family being present from 5-8:00 P.M., and a rosary at 7:30 P.M., on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday, September 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Cremation will take place following the services and she will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mary Ann’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or Ascend Hospice. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.