Rudolph "Rudy" Schmidt

Rudolph “Rudy” Schmidt

Peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, Rudy Schmidt passed away at the Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie, MB at the age of 95 years.

He is survived by his daughter Sharleen (John) Enns, daughter Cindy (Harry) Dick, and son Larry (Carla) Schmidt, eight grandchildren Greg (Eugenia) Barker, Tyler Barker, Bruce (Kayla) Dick, Kevin (Melissa) Dick, Bethany (Aaron) Beauchamp, Jaclyn (Josh) Hennan, Jenny Franz and Brian (Neli) Schmidt. He is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren, Ian, Sascha and Olivia Barker, Sophie and Savannah Dick, Charlie, River and Vienna Beauchamp, Talasi, Brielle and Ezekiel Hennan and Wells Franz. Also surviving is his sister Martha Pauls of Winnipeg and numerous nieces and nephews and other family members.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Helen (nee Enns) in 2023, an infant son in 1964, his parents John and Martha, sisters Jessie Froese and Mary Enns, brother Nick and twin brother John, brothers-in-law, one nephew Gary Enns, and one niece Kelly Pauls.

Dad was born in Winnipeg, MB on December 27, 1930, along with his twin brother. Being raised on a farm, he learned to milk cows, ride a horse, feed the pigs and chickens. He remembered that his mom used a wringer washer operated by a foot pedal for washing clothes and then hung the clothes on a clothesline that was anchored by two oak trees. Dad’s first language was German and his sisters taught him English before starting school.

After his education at Wingham School, he continued farming with his dad and brothers. He was baptized in 1949 and became a member of the Newton MB Church (now Community Fellowship Church). In 1954 dad attended Winkler Bible School.

Dad and mom were married on June 23, 1956. After living in Winnipeg for a few months, they moved back to the Newton area and rented a farm from A.A. Loewen. In 1963, dad purchased the Tickle farm across the road and the family moved into the house. Dad used his skills to add indoor plumbing to the house. In 1974, dad purchased the D. A. Loewen farm and we moved to that property. In 1985, dad and mom moved to the Pete Froese property where they had their retirement home built.

Dad farmed with his dad and his two brothers. Larry joined the farming operation and worked with dad for 40 years, with grain and cattle being the main two commodities. Dad farmed until he was 88 years old.

Other jobs that dad had were a porter for CN Rail in the 1950’s and as a school bus driver for Wingham School and Oakville school in the 1960’s.

From an early age dad enjoyed hockey, playing or watching. He was a Toronto Maple Leafs Fan. He also enjoyed baseball, golf, travelling, and spending time with family. One of his joys until he was in his early 90’s was skating. For his 90th birthday, we had a skating party, and he enjoyed it very much.

To dad, there were at least 3 important aspects to his life – faith, farming, and family.

Our family would like to express sincere thanks to the staff at the Portage District General Hospital, Swan Lake Health Center, Lions Prairie Manor, Dr. Omichinski and Ashley Morrison. Your care of dad was very much appreciated.

Viewing and Visitation will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The burial will take place at the Oakville Cemetery on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 1:00 pm. The memorial service will be at the Newton Community Fellowship Church on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 3:00 pm. The service will be recorded and will be uploaded to Rudy’s obituary page once available.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in Rudy’s memory to ShareWord Global (formerly Gideons) Box 3619 Guelph, ON N1H 7A2.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com