Thomas Joseph Schmitz

Thomas Joseph Schmitz was born to Vincent Schmitz and Dolores (Leinen) Schmitz on June 6, 1946 at their home in Panama, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama, IA. Tom attended school in Panama from grade school until high school graduation. After graduating, he attended a 2 year technical school in Des Moines and 2 years of classes at Iowa State University studying electronics and electrical engineering until he enlisted into the United States Army from 1968 to 1971.

On December 28, 1968, Tom was united in marriage to Beverly Sue Thomsen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Tamara, Becky, and Mark. Tom worked hard throughout his life as a farmer. He semi-retired in 2023 but never truly stepped away from the work that he loved. Some of his favorite hobbies included collecting antique tractors, spending time with family, watching NASCAR, playing dominos, enjoying red licorice, attending church service, playing cards and board games, and following his grandchildren’s activities.

Tom’s last few years of his life will be remembered by his dedication to caring for and showing his love to his wife, Bev, as she battled Alzheimer’s. He constantly reminded his children that she spent years taking care of him, and he was committed to caring for her as her disease progressed. Tom was all about his routines. He loved his morning walks and all the time he got to spend with his Wellness Center family. He also enjoyed visiting with Bev and having lunch at the Hansen House. Then he returned to the farm where he would tinker on small engines and his antique tractors.

Tom passed away peacefully at his home in Harlan, Iowa, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 attaining the age of 79 years, 8 months and 5 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Dolores Schmitz; and brother, William Schmitz.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Schmitz of Harlan, IA; children, Tamara and her husband Christopher Lynam of Overland Park, KS, Becky Schmitz and her husband Jonathan Smith of Durham, NC, Mark and his wife Jill Schmitz of Panama, IA; siblings, Margaret “Peg” Petsche of Portsmouth, IA, Patricia (Fred) Puckett of Greely, CO, Lolita Malone of Audubon, IA, Janet (Don) Altman of Golden, CO; 8 grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.