Michael J. Schmiedeler, 69, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 22nd after a short illness. He was surrounded by his two children and his beloved wife of 45 years.

Michael was born on October 13, 1952 in Beloit, Kansas. He was the fifth of five children of Francis E. and Lucille A. (Pahls) Schmiedeler. As a child, Mike enjoyed working in his parent’s grocery store in Tipton, Kansas, which was known for their homemade sausage. He carried on the tradition over the years and was known for gifting Der Schmied’s Wurst around Christmas time.

Mike graduated from Marymount College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry in 1975. He then continued his education at St Mary’s Hospital where he completed his Medical Technology training in 1976. He spent most of his career working in the lab at Salina Regional Health Center, eventually becoming the Chemistry Department Supervisor. He retired in 2018.

Mike married Marilyn K. Swenson on December 18, 1976 at First Baptist Church in Salina, Kansas. Their son, Charles Richard was born on May 23, 1977. Their daughter, Regan Ann was born to the Lord on November 23, 1981. Their second daughter, Mykel Kay was born October 9, 1987. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved travelling, with Hawaii being his favorite destination, enjoyed cooking/baking and loved his golden retrievers. Mike was also a history enthusiast, especially when it came to World War II and was a KU fan through and through.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Regan, a brother James Schmiedeler, sister Jeanne Crawford, and his Godmother Dorothy Schmiedeler. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Charles Schmiedeler (Travis), daughter Mykel Purkapile (Matt), his three grandchildren Rylan Michael Purkapile, Drew Steven Purkapile, and Peyton Kay Purkapile, brother John Schmiedeler (Zoe), brother Thomas Schmiedeler (Barb) and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 30th at Ryan Mortuary at 10:00 a.m., followed by a gravesite committal at Gypsum Hill Cemetery. The family will host a reception at First Baptist Church following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Best Friends Animal Society or Salina Animal Services.