October 28, 1930 — January 16, 2026
Mervin H. Schmidt, 95, of Mason City, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N Pennsylvania Ave. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service time. Interment will be held in the Rosehill Cemetery, Greene, IA. Memorials can be directed to the family of Mervin Schmidt.
Mervin was born on October 28, 1930. His parents were Henry and Martha (Meyer) Schmidt. He was born in Butler County, IA, and graduated from Greene Country School.
He joined the Army on March 5, 1952, serving in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1953. He often told the story of his very first night in Korea when he was left alone as a radio operator in enemy territory with fighting going on.
He met Ruth at a restaurant where she was a server. He would often pull tricks on her, turning the glasses upside down. He was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Halvorson on February 18, 1955. They lived in rural Greene, IA, where they farmed and raised livestock.
After attending Bible revival services, he placed his faith and trust in Jesus. He loved old gospel hymns, especially “Victory in Jesus”.
In 2006, they sold the farm and moved to Mason City. He created a workshop in the basement of their home where he loved making things with his scroll saw. He gave most of everything away as he refused payment for anything. His pride and joy was a very intricate cathedral he made.
He is survived by his son Steven Schmidt of Greene and daughter Brenda (Loren) Stoneberg of Bondurant, grandchildren Derek (Brandi), Schmidt of Newton, Erik (Hannah) Stoneberg of Ankeny, Dustin Schmidt of Newton, Rachael (Richard) White of Omak, WA, Daniel Gramowski of Des Moines, and Paige Gramowski of Des Moines.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann, son Richard Schmidt, daughter Sara Schmidt, his parents and brothers and sisters.
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