Russell Walter Schmidt, 60, of Concordia Kansas, passed away on 7/8/26. Born in Fairbury Nebraska on 11/16/1965 to Lyle and Sharon Schmidt (Trautman), he was a proud father, grandfather and a fun loving friend.

Russ graduated from Fairbury High School in 1985. He lettered in wrestling for the Jeffs, achieving 2nd Place at the Nebraska State Wrestling tournament his Sophomore, Junior and Senior year. He lost to the same wrestler all three years at State but beat him all three years at Districts, a feat he was proud of. Russ attended the University of Jamestown where he also wrestled. He started his Electrical career working at Anything Electric in Fairbury with his brother-in-law Marvin and sister Becky. This lead to a lifelong career as an Electrician, working on notable projects such as KU football stadium and the survival condo. He also worked at Newton electric, Hoods and Heineken Electric. 

In his free time he was an avid outdoorsman who looked forward to foraging asparagus and mushrooms, fishing the rivers and ponds for anything edible, hunting pheasants, doves, quail and deer. He had a special knack for bow hunting. In his younger days, he loved cruising the summer evenings on his motorcycle, playing fastpitch softball on his teams such as The Wild Ones and drinking a couple of red beers with his friends and family. 

His crafting skills led to many projects with his family. From fixing lawnmowers with Kaedyn, to building Travis’s and Tory’s Pinewood Derby cars, Russ enjoyed building and fixing anything. He coached wrestling for his sons, refereed their baseball games and helped his stepdaughter Miranda develop a love for softball. Russ was very proud of his children and grandchildren, which gave him many sunny days outside and plenty of bonfire filled nights under the stars.

Russ is survived by his sons Travis (Abigail) Schmidt, Trevor Schmidt, stepdaughter Miranda (Jesse) Frye and stepson Tory (Patty) Seibolt, grandchildren Kyndal, Lachlan, Thea, Kaedyn, Keltyn, Xandyr, Cohen and former wife of 31 years Kathleen Schmidt. His siblings Becky (Marvin) Stelling, Vicky (Don) Earl and, Craig (Teresa) Schmidt along with nieces Erin, Kayla, Heidi nephews Nate, Justin, Brad and Curtis. And his beloved dog Lady. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Sharon Schmidt.

Some snacks that remind us of fond memories with him are cold Nutty Buddys, Mountain Dew, Queen Annes, Peeps, Kit Kats and sunflower seeds.

A celebration of life will be held on:  November 14, 2026 from 11:00am-1:00pm at 1424 union road Concordia, KS, 66901.