William Schmidt

William Schmidt, 89, of Iowa Falls, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Hansen Family Hospital. Private family funeral services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2020 at the Woodley Funeral Home with Rev. Paul L. Beisel officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Union Cemetery. Woodley Funeral Home, LLC of Iowa Falls is caring for Bill and his family. William “Bill” Harvey Schmidt was born on September 24, 1930 in Schuyler, Nebraska to Harvey and Arlene (Guidinger) Schmidt. Bill grew up on a Platte River Valley farm in Nebraska, the oldest of five siblings. He graduated from high school at the age of 16. A Regents scholarship enabled him to enroll at Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska rather than becoming a teacher at a nearby country school. His college career was interrupted by the Korean War where he served four years in the Air Force. Upon his return, he completed his bachelor’s degree, and taught high school at Valley Nebraska for one year before moving to Iowa State University to pursue a master’s degree. While at ISU, he met and married Nadine Joan Munsterman on December 21, 1957 at Memorial Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa. He began his college teaching career at Ellsworth Community College in 1959, teaching biological sciences. In 1981 Bill became deeply involved with what would become the Calkins Nature Area. He started Ellsworth College’s Conservation Technology Program in 1983 which became one of the college’s strong degree programs. In 1996, the dream of an Interpretive Center/Natural History Museum building at Calkins was accomplished. Bill was active in the community and the surrounding area serving on the Iowa Falls Park Board, Hardin County Conservation Board and various other Iowa River Greenbelt development and preservation efforts. Bill was honored for his accomplishments and educational legacy when he received an honorary Doctorate of Science degree at the 2013 ECC commencement ceremony. Throughout his career, Bill was regarded not only as a teacher but as a mentor, colleague and friend. Bill retired from ECC in 1992. Bill and Nadine were parents to five children: Kimberly, twins Jeffrey and Jennifer (deceased), Melanie, and Lisa. Bill and Nadine raised their family in Iowa Falls and have been blessed with close friends that have turned into family over the years. He was an active church member at Immanuel Lutheran Church and held many offices. He was also active in his community and was recognized for outstanding volunteer efforts with a Community Service Award in 1995. Bill shared his love of nature with his family through gardening, fishing, canoeing, and exploring the joys of identifying animals, insects, and plants. In their later years, he and Nadine enjoyed trips visiting their children and grandchildren. They have been active in disability issues with son Jeff, ranging from using the Human Services program at Ellsworth to serving as a director and Board Chairman at One Vision (formerly Opportunity Village) in Clear Lake. Bill is survived by his wife, Nadine; children: Kim Carter, Jeffrey Schmidt, Melanie (Tad) Kochel and Lisa (Osmin) Gonzalez; grandchildren: Jordan Kochel, Aaron and Hannah Carter and Evan Gonzalez. He is also survived by siblings: Don (Peg) Schmidt, Bob (Charlotte) Schmidt, John (Carma) Schmidt and Elva Jean (Cheryl) Schmidt along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Jennifer. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls or the Calkins Nature Area.

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William Schmidt

September 24, 1930 - April 15, 2020