Raymond ‘Ray’ Schmidtke

Raymond “Ray” Schmidtke, 82, of Charles City, passed away Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at his home in Charles City.

A funeral service for Ray Schmidtke will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City with Pastor Russ Leeper officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City and will continue one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be given to Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Raymond Howard Schmidtke, the son of Vernon and Hazel (Meyers) Schmidtke, was born Aug. 14, 1942 in Charles City, Iowa. He received his education in Charles City, graduating from Charles City High School. After graduation, Ray worked at Salsbury Laboratory for a few years before moving on to White Farm. After White Farm, he began his decades long career at Farm Fleet/Theisen’s until his retirement.

Ray was united in marriage to Judy Fenneman on Nov. 20, 1964 in Clarksville. This union was blessed with two sons: Brian and Tony. He was a member of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church and Messiah Lutheran Church. His interests included snowmobiling, old cars and riding his four-wheeler. Ray was a very simple man who liked working outside at his home. There wasn’t a blade of grass that went uncut in his lawn.

Living family members include his two sons:  Brian Schmidtke (Lisa Hegland) of Charles City and Tony (Kristi) Schmidtke of Atlantic; five grandchildren: Brandon, Bryce, Evan, Keaton and Simon; sister-in-law, Debbie Schmidtke of Charles City; and special cousin, Carl Meyer of Mason City. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy in 2010; daughter-in-law, Tammy LaBarge Schmidtke; and brother, Richard Schmidtke.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.