Richard Laverne Schmidt

OGDEN, Iowa—Richard “Smitty” Schmidt, 86, of Ogden, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Accura Healthcare in Ogden.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Richard will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ogden, with Father Timothy Johnson presiding. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Ogden with Graveside Military Honors conducted by the Boone Veterans Council. A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ogden. Carson-Stapp Funeral Home in Ogden has been entrusted with arrangements. For online obituaries and condolences, please visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

Born on August 22, 1939, to Clarence and Luella (Grabau) Schmidt, Richard grew up in Ogden and graduated from Ogden High School in 1957. A proud veteran, Richard served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning, he married Lorraine Burgess, and together they raised two sons and a stepdaughter, AJ and Julian Schmidt and Rhonda Maas.

Richard was a dedicated entrepreneur, partnering with Laverne Morain to establish Ogden Car Wash and M & S Trailer Park in northwest Ogden. He was a member of the Ogden Volunteer Fire Department from July 8, 1974, to January 1, 1997, served on the City Council from February 1979 to November 1984, and worked in the Ogden Sewer/Street Department from 1985 until his retirement on August 30, 2004.

Known for being a frequent morning coffee attendee where he and several local gentlemen tackled “world problems,” Richard’s wit and wisdom were captured on the magnetic sign he used to have on his Blazer: “Jack of all trades, master of none!”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Luella; his wife Lorraine; his grandson, Ian Monti; and his sister, Helen Bird.

Richard is survived by his stepdaughter, Rhonda Maas of Ogden; sons, AJ (Cherry) Schmidt of Hawaii and Julian Schmidt of Ogden; grandchildren, Cody (Julie) Schmidt, Courtney Schmidt, Chad Schmidt and Maverick (Paris) Taylor; great-grandchildren, Semaj Taylor and Tatum Schmidt; and siblings, Kenny Schmidt, Greg Schmidt, and Cynthia (Paul) Gilbert. Richard’s legacy of service, humor, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.