Michael Paul Schmidt, age 76, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on November 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at Hays Medical Center. Born on June 30, 1948, in Hays, he was the firstborn of Patrick Joseph and Rose Grace (Leiker) Schmidt, part of a close-knit family of six children. Michael’s early life was marked by dedication and achievement. He graduated from Jefferson West Grade School in 1962 and later attended St. Joseph Military Academy, where he distinguished himself as a leader, achieving the rank of Major. In 1964, he was honored with the prestigious Superior Junior Cadet Military Award and went on to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the school's inaugural Lettermen’s Club. His talents in sports were evident as he earned letters in basketball and baseball, and joyfully claimed victory as the senior class ping pong champion. Continuing his educational journey, Mike graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1970 with an AB English Degree, embarking on a rewarding career as a teacher in Kirwin, Kansas City, and Hays.
Throughout his life, Michael built a diverse and extensive work history that spanned various fields, including education, insurance, freight and trucking, hospitality, soil conservation, oil production, commercial and residential painting, retail sales, law enforcement, and positions at county, state, and federal levels. Additionally he supervised the publication of the Hays R.L. Polk City directory on two occasions.
A dedicated member of his community, Mike was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and a 3rd degree St. Joseph Council #1325 Knights of Columbus member. His commitment to his alma mater was reflected in his life membership in the TMP-Marian Alumni Association, where his contributions were recognized with the Alumni Service Award in 2001. Mike’s spirit of service was exemplified by his participation in 41 consecutive ACE Auctions and many other school events.
Michael is remembered by his two sons, Eric M. Schmidt (Katrina Thyfault) and their children Kyla and Kobe, of Hays, Kansas, and Ryan V. Schmidt (Rachel Befort) and their children Vincent, Vivienne, Violette, Valentin, and Vonn, of Overland Park, Kansas. He is also survived by five siblings: Terry (Barb) Schmidt, of Elkhorn, NE, Mark (Dorothy) Schmidt, of Aurora, CO, Larry (Katie Massieon) Schmidt, of Salina, KS, Patti (John) Lonnon, of Hays, KS, and Renee (Jay) Hood, of Plainfield, IN; Additionally, he is remembered fondly by three aunts, Margaret Walters, of Topeka, KS, Betty Leiker, of Broken Arrow, OK and Sherry Leiker of Hays, KS.
Preceding him in death were his beloved parents; paternal grandparents, Paul A. (Regina Denning) Schmidt; and maternal grandparents, John F. (Philomena Rupp) Leiker.
Funeral services will be 9:30 AM on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 215 W. 13th Street in Hays, with Fr. Curtis Carlson officiating. Family and friends unable to attend in person can join via Facebook Live by visiting www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com select the resources tab and then Facebook Live. Following the service, burial will take place at St. Anthony Cemetery in Schoenchen, Kansas.
Visitation will be Friday, November 22, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a combined parish vigil and St. Joseph’s Council #1325 Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 PM, all at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
In honor of Michael, memorial gifts may be made to TMP-Marian, St. Joseph Church, or for masses.
We invite all who knew him to share their memories and words of comfort on Michael’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.