Karl Schmidt

Karl Vincent Schmidt was born in Oskaloosa, IA on August 9, 1956 to Sammie Lee and Rose Mary (Boyd) Schmidt. His little brother Kalvin rounded out his original family. He attended Sully schools through middle school. When his family moved to New Sharon he attended and graduated from Pella High School. Karl's rural upbringing gave him a firm foundation of hard work, faith and family. He shared fond memories of Sunday coffee times at Uncle Homer's house. Those times were filled with good food and funny stories. As a young man, he helped with the family businesses. Whether it be seining at the fish hatchery, laying brick or farming, Karl gave his best. He played baseball as a youth, boxed and wrestled in high school. When grandson Travis began wrestling he really got into it. It wasn't until after high school that he found his passion for basketball and volleyball. Playing on various leagues in his 20s and through his mid-30s.
Karl first became a father at the age of 20, when Renee Dawn was born. Seven years later Randi Lynn joined the clan. He enjoyed watching his girls grow into fine young women. The grand kids and great grand kids were a source of joy.
On Jan 4, 2001, Karl was united in marriage to Jennifer Roozeboom in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. They made their initial home in Newton, IA. Their son Isaac Henry Schmidt was born on Aug 4, 2003. When Isaac was 2 years old, they moved to Knoxville.
Karl was what you might call meticulous, focused, maybe a bit stubborn! If he decided to do something he did it well. He's one of those guys that read the manual! He bought a computer in the 70s, learned programing and created a website, just to see if he could. He took up arm wrestling, won first place at Iowa State Fair. With the help of his dad and brother, he built his own berm home in the mid-80s. He could fix anything. We worked at various factories in the area including Maytag and 3M. He taught himself CAD and did drafting work for Pella Building Systems from 2010-13. He was also a member of the Pella Masonic Lodge and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine.
Karl is survived by his wife Jennifer, their son Isaac, his daughters Renee (Dan) Van Rees and Randi (Brad) Sincox. Grandchildren Layne Battistello, Travis Lewis, Taya Sincox and Raylan Van Rees. Great Grandchildren Benjamin and Ensley Battistello. Mother Rose Mary Schmidt. Brother Kalvin (Carrie) Schmidt. Grandma Mildred Boyd. Aunts and Uncles, Cousins and so many dear friends.
Karl passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Kavanagh House on 56th, in Des Moines, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 62 years.
Preceded in death by his adopted son, Travis Schmidt; his dad, Sammie Lee Schmidt and Grandparents Fern and Louise Boyd.
Funeral Service: Celebrate Church - Knoxville, Iowa. Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Interment: t'Lam Cemetery - Pella, Iowa
Memorials may be made to Celebrate Church or to Every Step Hospice.