John Paul Schmidt

John Paul Schmidt was born October 24, 1942 in Goessel, Kansas, the youngest of the seven children of Frank and Bertha (Unrau) Schmidt, and passed away on June 14, 2023 at the age of 80. The family moved to Dallas, Oregon when John was five. He married Ruth Wiebe in 1967, having met at the wedding of her older brother, who was a friend of John’s.They were married 32 years before her passing in 1999.

John lived life well, and was a hardworking, caring, and quiet man (except when telling stories!). He worked as a business manager in the janitorial field, but his true calling was as a gospel choir director, which he did for over 25 years (with the Salem Singers and other groups). John was a lifelong church attender, with membership at Grace Mennonite, Calvary Presbyterian, Dallas Alliance, and Dayton First Baptist church. He was also a member of the Rose City Corvette Club.

In 2000, John married Marilyn Harris, and they had been married for 23 years at the time of John’s passing. They spent 14 of those years as full-time RV’s, living in a 5th wheel trailer and having adventures.

Mr. Schmidt is survived by his wife Marilyn; three sons and their wives, Patrick and Mandy Schmidt, Geoffrey and Brianne Schmidt, and Stephen and Christy Schmidt; stepchildren Dan Pearia, Beth Weller, and Dawn Pearia and their spouses; and his brothers Archie and Lyle and their wives; and by 20 grandchildren.

Private interment has taken place at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Dallas Alliance Church in July.