Richard Schmitt

Richard E. Schmitt, 90, of Sterling, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2024, at his home. He was born June 5, 1934 in Harmon, IL, the son of Paul and Florence (Jacobs) Schmitt. Richard graduated from Sterling High School in 1953 and became a licensed plumber in 1957, a credential he maintained until 2023. He met his first wife, Alice (Freas) in 1954. They were married on December 21, 1957 until her passing in January 2011. 

In 1960 Richard and Alice bought their first 160-acre farm which he continued farming that plus many more acres until his death. In 1967, Richard and Alice opened their plumbing business, Schmitt Plumbing and Heating in Dixon, where he had been the president since. 

In his spare time Richard enjoyed dancing, playing harmonica, restoring old tractors and attending tractor drives, especially with his 1966 Minneapolis-Moline G1000.

He is survived by his second wife, Roxanna (Legel) Schulz-Schmitt, who he married on July 28, 2018; his children, Allen (Charlotte) of St. Charles, Mark (Debbie) and son-in-law Steve (Kandi) Koster of Sterling; his 7 grandchildren, Allayne (Mike) Weaver, Clayton (Marissa) and Drew (Emma) Schmitt, Matt and Scott Koster, Jackie (Connor) Hayden, and Madison Schmitt; 2 great-granddaughters, Lilly and Addie; his brother, Donald Schmitt and sister, Janet Strock. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Donna (Schmitt) Koster and brother, James Schmitt. 

Funeral service will be held at 11AM, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at New Life Lutheran Church, 702 W Lynn Blvd, Sterling, with Pastor Drew Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Knoll Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM, Friday, December 13, 2024 at the New Life Lutheran Church and from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service.

 In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the New Life Lutheran Church.