Mary Ann Schmeidler 1923 - 2019

HAYS — Mary Ann Schmeidler, 96, Hays, died Monday, Dec. 16, 2019 at Via Christi Village.

She was born April 11, 1923 on the family farm in Russell County, the daughter of John and Rosa (Mermis) Jacobs. She graduated in 1941 from Russell High School. On May 30, 1950 she was united in marriage to Marcellus F. Schmeidler and they celebrated over 35 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on March 21, 1986. She was a waitress, a baker at Kennedy Middle School, and worked at Travenol. 

Mary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Altar Society Christian Mothers, and the Daughters of Isabella. She helped her son and grandson deliver newspapers, was an avid reader, excellent cook and baker, and her homemade noodles were a family favorite. She was a prayer warrior, devoutly attended daily mass, and faithfully prayed the Liturgy of the Hours and for those on prayer chains. She loved each of her children uniquely.

Survivors include three sons, Frank Schmeidler of Manhattan, Fr. John Schmeidler, OFM Cap. of Victoria, and Mark Schmeidler of Quinter; two daughters, Martha Brungardt of Hays and Madonna Oborny and husband Marion of Hoisington; four grandchildren, Luke Oborny and wife Kristy of Hays, Mary Schroeder and husband Gordon of Gorham, Ann Pfeifer and husband Ernie of Hays, and Mark Brungardt and fiancé Taylor Jones of Hays; 15 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Marcellus; five infant children, Frank, Mary, Anthony, Joseph, and Margaret Schmeidler; five brothers, Alfred, Louis, Edwin, Marvin, and Bernard Jacobs; and a sister, Bernardine Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 at the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria with Bishop Gerald Vinke and Fr. John Schmeidler officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 on Thursday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 2 p.m. until service time on Friday at the church. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6 p.m. and a vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. both on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Capuchin Franciscans or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi. Condolences and memories of Mary may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Hays Memorial Funeral Home

1906 Pine Street

Hays, KS  67601

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 18, 2019