Evan Joe Schmidt

Evan Joe Schmidt age 61 of Chester, IA, died Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma with Rev. Bruce Miller officiating. Interment will take place at Howard Cemetery in Elma at a later date.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, before the service at the funeral home in Elma.

Evan Schmidt, age 62, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of skill, dedication, and deep love for his family. He was born on December 27, 1964, in Osage, Iowa, the son of Edward and Bonnie (Evans) Schmidt.

Evan graduated from high school and went on to build a career in welding, where he quickly became known for his exceptional mechanical ability. A natural problem-solver, he had an extraordinary talent for understanding how things worked and could bring nearly any engine back to life. His expertise and reputation grew throughout his career, as he became a trusted and knowledgeable figure across multiple departments in his work.

While living and working in Virginia, Evan met the love of his life, Laura. Together, they built a strong and loving partnership and made the decision to move to Iowa with her six children, where they established a home filled with warmth, stability, and countless cherished memories. Evan took great pride in his family and found joy in time spent together, whether at home or on trips they shared over the years.

Evan had a passion for many things, especially food, technology, and cars. He enjoyed exploring new flavors and cuisines, often with the same curiosity and enthusiasm he brought to his mechanical pursuits. His appreciation for good food was rivaled only by his fascination with innovation and engineering.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura; his daughters, Trixie of Iowa and Shonda of Burke, Virginia; his sons, Bidgie of Lime Springs, Iowa, Keith of Oscoda, Michigan, Andrew of Lime Springs, Iowa, and John of Phoenix, Arizona; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Vonda and Misty. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Evan will be remembered for his intelligence, his hardworking nature, and his unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he helped create.