Ernest Schmitmeyer, 78, 845 Huwer Road, St. Henry, died at 11:07 a.m. May 16, 2008, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
He was born Aug. 4, 1929, in St. Sebastian to Bernard and Agatha Albers Schmitmeyer. On Jan. 6, 1951, he married Alma Dirksen, who survives in St. Henry.
Surviving are five sons, John (Marlene) and Joe (Linda), all of Versailles, Bob (Mary Lou) and Steve (Karen), all of Maria Stein, and Pat (Cathy), Celina; five daughters, Marilyn (Ron) Poeppelman, Fort Loramie, Ann (Paul) Barhorst, Anna, Lois (Dave) Schwieterman, Celina, Jean (John) Homan, New Bremen, and Linda (Kevin) Muhlenkamp, Bryant, Ind.; two brothers, Luke (Mildred), Coldwater, and Martin (Marie), Celina; a brother-in-law, Louie Bruns, Minster; five sisters, Marian (Greg) Evers, St. Henry, Sr. Lucille, Tiffin, Eunice (Willard) Dahlinghaus, Minster, Henrietta (Ivo) Knapke, Versailles, and Ella Mae (Roger) Watercutter, Fort Wayne, Ind.; 57 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a daughter, Lucy; a sister, Evelyn Bruns; and a sister-in-law, Lucille.

He was retired from farming and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Knights of St. John, Maria Stein, and St. Francis Catholic Church, Cranberry Prairie, and its Men's Holy Name Society.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Tony Fortman officiating. Burial is at the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Condolences can be sent to www.hogenkampfh.com.