Robert James "RJ" Schmidt Sr.

Robert James "RJ" Schmidt Sr. of Warden, formerly of Othello, died Sunday evening Dec. 3, 2006 at his home with his family by his side.

RJ was born on Feb. 5, 1922 in Del Norte, Colo., to Antone and Philomena Ast Schmidt. He graduated from The Abbey High School in Ca-on City, Colo., and went to work on his father's farm. In 1947 he met Elsa Butler, they were married in Ca-on City on Nov. 6, 1947. In 1960, RJ and Elsa moved to Othello where he worked within the agriculture industry until he retired in 1984. In 2000, he and Elsa moved to Warden to be with their daughter.

RJ was a true cowboy; he had a passion for rodeo and as a young man enjoyed bareback and saddle bronc and bull riding. He never lost his love of horses; many enjoyed his tales of working on his sheep and cattle ranch in Colorado, from packing salt into the mountains on the high range to an unruly horse who wouldn't load in his truck. He made sure that his children all had a horse as they grew up. He volunteered countless hours with 4H, at the fairgrounds and with the Othello Rodeo when needed.

RJ was also impassioned with his Catholic faith and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Othello. He had been a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Quarter Horse Association, and the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed reading both about his religious convictions and current events. His favorite times were always spent with his family. He will be sadly missed during the upcoming horseshow season by his granddaughter Jade, whom he had mentored.

RJ's parents preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife Elsa of Warden, his five children; Robert and wife Vonda of Oregon, Linda and husband Joe VanderVloedt of Moses Lake, Michael and wife Rebecca of Othello, Rodney and wife Amanda of Colorado and Jacque and husband Doug Thompson of Warden, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and a brother Linus and two sisters Arlene and Janie.

A time for final visitation has been set aside at Stevens Funeral Chapel beginning on Thursday Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. a Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Dec 8, at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Warden at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Warden.

Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel.