CEDAR RAPIDS-Virgil J. Schmidt, 84, of Cedar Rapids formerly of Traer and Marshalltown passed away Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael Mescher as celebrant.  Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Tama.  Visitation will be held Saturday, March 31, from 9:30 AM until service time at St Patrick Catholic Church in Tama.  Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is handling the arrangements.
Virgil was born on February 29, 1928, in Tama County the son of Ernest and Cynthia (Brecht) Schmidt.  He graduated from Tama High School.  Virgil served his country in the U.S. Navy.  He was united in marriage to Patricia Rebik on November 11, 1950 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama.  Virgil worked for Iowa Electric for many years.  He began his career as a groundman eventually spending several years as central region vice president.  Virgil liked gardening and working with his hands.  He also enjoyed playing golf.  He is most remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Gary Schmidt; and sister, Ellen.
Survivors include his wife of sixty one years Patricia, of Cedar Rapids; five children, Laurie (Bill) Roby of Stuart, FL, Douglas (Jodi) Schmidt of Green Oaks, IL, Craig (Leslie) Schmidt of Cedar Rapids, Rodney (Mig) Schmidt of Fort Wayne, IN, and Elisa (Mark) Lewis of Cedar Rapids; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Howard (Libby) Schmidt of Homosassa, FL; and many special nieces and nephews, especially Judy, Joyce, Jerry and Jeanne.
Memorials may be directed to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in care of Mercy Foundation, 701 10th St. SE Cedar Rapids , IA 52403 .