LaVerne Francis "Larry" Schmitz, 85, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023.
He was born November 29, 1937, in St. Benedict, Kansas, the son of Vincent and Florina (Bergman) Schmitz.
Larry grew up on a farm. From day one, he had a green thumb and could grow just about anything. He enjoyed spending time in his vegetable garden, burning brush piles and making his yard look immaculate, some would say the best looking yard on the block.
He retired as a machinist from Santa Fe in 1998. He was a family man who loved hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling with his family. He also enjoyed playing poker and watching game shows.
Larry married Dianne Vondemkamp on December 2, 1961 in Axtell, Kansas. Together they shared 61 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife Dianne; children, Terry (Shirley) Schmitz, Debra (Albert) Mack; and Mark (Kevin Hill) Schmitz, 6 grandchildren; Terry Jr, Kathleen, Marc, James, Alexander, and Haydn and 6 great grand children; 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Jamie Yvonne Schmitz.
Cremation is planned. A rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. on 2/3/2023 at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church 2014 NW 46th Street, Topeka, KS 66618. A lunch will follow. Inurnment will be at a future date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church 2014 NW 46th Street, Topeka, KS 66618.
To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.