Obituary for Donald Schmidling
Donald Francis Schmidling, 89, of Leavenworth, died peacefully May 15, 2020, with loving family by his side. He was born in Leavenworth County on January 27, 1931, the youngest son of five children to Leo C. and Cecelia E. (Schneider) Schmidling, and grew up on their family farm near Easton.
He attended Immaculata High School and worked at Kramer Manufacturing.
On August 2, 1952, Donald married Elizabeth Kisker and the same day was drafted to the Army for the Korean War. He served as a cook for two years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He proudly worked 27 years at the TWA overhaul base as a machinist taking pride in his job and he enjoyed a special bond with his co-workers. He was a member of St. Joseph of the Valley parish and cemetery committee.
His hobbies included playing guitar with family, hunting, stock car racing, farming the Schmidling homestead of 160 acres and 80 acres on Seven Sister Road, trap shooting, repairing watches, local Country music shows, and weekend trips to nearby casinos and flea markets.
He is fondly remembered by his children, Patty Schmidling, Sherry Schmidling, Kathy Lynn (Terry) Schaeffer, Denise (Jack) Elliott and Dale (Candise) Schmidling; his companion, Dorothy Klamm; the mother of his children, Elizabeth Schmidling; two sisters, Wilma Kirchner and Darlyne Pape; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Donald was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Butler; two brothers, Maurice and Vincent Schmidling; and great-granddaughter, Alyssa Hutchens.
Memorials are suggested to Mt. Olivet Cemetery or Good Shepherd Hospice. Arrangements in care of R.L. Leintz Funeral Home.
He attended Immaculata High School and worked at Kramer Manufacturing.
On August 2, 1952, Donald married Elizabeth Kisker and the same day was drafted to the Army for the Korean War. He served as a cook for two years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He proudly worked 27 years at the TWA overhaul base as a machinist taking pride in his job and he enjoyed a special bond with his co-workers. He was a member of St. Joseph of the Valley parish and cemetery committee.
His hobbies included playing guitar with family, hunting, stock car racing, farming the Schmidling homestead of 160 acres and 80 acres on Seven Sister Road, trap shooting, repairing watches, local Country music shows, and weekend trips to nearby casinos and flea markets.
He is fondly remembered by his children, Patty Schmidling, Sherry Schmidling, Kathy Lynn (Terry) Schaeffer, Denise (Jack) Elliott and Dale (Candise) Schmidling; his companion, Dorothy Klamm; the mother of his children, Elizabeth Schmidling; two sisters, Wilma Kirchner and Darlyne Pape; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Donald was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Butler; two brothers, Maurice and Vincent Schmidling; and great-granddaughter, Alyssa Hutchens.
Memorials are suggested to Mt. Olivet Cemetery or Good Shepherd Hospice. Arrangements in care of R.L. Leintz Funeral Home.