Ellis Schmidt

Ellis Edward Schmidt passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 at the age of 99.

Ellis was born Sept. 25, 1923, in Sterling to Alfred E. Schmidt and Amelia (Luther) Schmidt and lived on the same farm south of Fleming for 89 years. He attended two rural one-room schools, Prairie View and Highway. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1941. He enrolled in the first class of Junior College of Northeastern Colorado in the fall of 1941. He attended the first year and fall quarter the second year. In 1943, Ellis enlisted in the Merchant Marines and served until 1946.

He returned home and lived with his parents and started farming on shares. On Aug. 18, 1948, Ellis married his wife Glenis and they later bought the farm. They had three children, Lenee, Gary and Lyle and also had seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Ellis and Glenis traveled to many states and foreign countries and lived on the farm until 2012, when they moved to Sterling. They were married 69 years when Glenis passed away in 2017.

A community servant, Ellis served on the school board on Highway District 38 for four years and Fleming for 12 years. He also served on the Northeastern Junior College Board of Trustees from 1972 to 1979 and was president for several years. The Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology building on the North Campus, now known as the Applied Technology Campus, was named Lebsack-Schmidt Hall in his honor when it was built in 1976. He was granted an Honorary Degree from NJC in 2000. He was a lifetime member of the Leroy Church and held several offices.

Ellis was a life member of the NJC Alumni Association. He served on the Alumni Frontier 2000 Committee from 1995-2000 and has a been a member of the Alumni Heritage Center Committee from 2000 until his death. He attended numerous college activities over the years. Ellis and Glenis attended most of their kids', grandkids' and great-grandkids' events, well into their 90s. Above all else, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Ellis is survived by his children Lenee and husband Ron Wisdom, Gary and wife Gail Schmidt and Lyle and wife Cindy Schmidt; grandchildren Tricia and husband Dave Etl, Todd and wife Rachel Wisdom, Tandi and husband Ryan Keen, Adam and wife Chrissy Schmidt, Jeannine and husband Shawn Cochran, Steve Schmidt and Amanda and husband Preston Huser; great-grandchildren McCall Etl, Trae Etl, Evan Wisdom, Scottlin Wisdom, Pryce Keen, Paycen Keen, Ava Schmidt, Ella Schmidt, Colton Cochran, Berkleigh Cochran, Brenton Huser, Brenlee Huser, Blair Huser and Bella Huser; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Glenis; parents Alfred and Amelia Schmidt; and brothers Howard and his wife Dorothy Schmidt and Warren and his wife Luena Schmidt.

A celebration of Ellis' life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 5, at Leroy Community Church with Reverend Jared Sonnenberg officiating. Ellis will be laid to rest at the Leroy Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Leroy Community Church, 34853 CR 14, Fleming, CO, 80728.