Surrounded by his loving family, Derald "Butch" Schmitt, 75, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023.

He was born on October 11, 1948, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Joe and Frances Schmitt. He grew up on a farm west of New England, ND and graduated from St. Mary's School in 1966. Butch was a proud veteran of the United States Army and completed a tour of duty that included a 14 month stint in Vietnam before receiving an honorable discharge.  Upon leaving the Army, Butch returned home to help his father on the family farm and later became the manager of Harvest States Grain Elevator, where he worked for 17 years. Butch was also a leader in his community.  He loved being the high school football referee, serving on the New England City Council, as the president of the American Legion, and the mayor of New England. Butch enjoyed his Tuesday night bowling league, bow hunting, being a self-professed "card shark", watching the Cleveland Indians and spending time with his many friends and family.

Butch met his soulmate and lifelong love, Sally (Holbert) Schmitt, and they married on September 27, 1997. They shared a lifetime of happiness in both New England and Springfield where they moved soon after Butch's retirement. Butch enjoyed retirement, spending time traveling, visiting casinos, trying new restaurants, and talking politics while having breakfast with his buddies at Steak and Shake.

Butch is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Frances Schmitt.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sally; his brother and spouse, Lyle and Sheila Schmitt; his sisters and their spouses, Charlene and Ron Goethke, Lida and Dan Deutsch, Cornella and Blaine Basol, Brenda and Paul Haaland; his uncle and aunt, Frank and Johanna Zauner; and his uncle, Tom Lue; and his many nieces, nephews and cousins, who adored him.

In lieu of a funeral, Sally and family will be holding a celebration of Butch's life on January 6, 2024 from 1-4 at the home of Susie Smallwood, 2824 E. Eastmoor, Springfield Mo. Please feel free to drop in at any time.

In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice in Butch's memory. Butch will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, and courage. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Online condolences may be made at klingnerfuneralhome.com.