Ralph Otto Schmidt
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Ralph Otto Schmidt, born March 25th, 1935, passed away on May 12th, 2022 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO with his loving daughters Heidi Schmidt and Jackie Stump by his side.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on June 2nd, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. Services will be held at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133. If you are unable to attend, you may view Ralph’s service by clicking on the following link. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1654039795187323
Ralph was born in Hannover, Germany to Agnes and Otto Schmidt. As a young boy, he grew up during World War II, along with his sister Edith. He was 10 years old when the war ended. For the next few years as his city was rebuilt from the war, he and his family survived on rations. He told stories about the kindness and generosity of American soldiers during this time, which is when he developed his love for America. From the age of 14 until 18 he attended vocational school in Hannover where he learned the trade of auto mechanics. He worked in Germany for one year until he applied for a United States Visa. On January 28, 1955 Ralph stepped foot on American soil and lived in the Kansas City area the remainder of his life.
Ralph served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1963. During this time he was based in Florida and also served in the Korean War. He married Judith (Judy) Diane Howe, and together, they had four children, Machelle Diane, Mark Otto, Jacqueline Rene and Heidi Jo. On September 28, 1966, he became a United States citizen. He and Judy were married until 1972. On July 20, 1974 he was remarried to Barbara Lee. Ralph and Barbara remained married until her passing in January 2004.
Ralph worked in the auto industry his entire career and was considered an expert in his field. He served on the Art Bunker/Bob Hindson racing team in the late sixties and continued his work over the years, which included Hafkemeyer BMW, Star Motors and Baron BMW. After retirement, Ralph and Barbara traveled in their RV and took up residence in Florida until moving back to Kansas City in 2003. For the past 15 years, Ralph worked at Cosentino’s Apple Market in Independence, MO, sacking groceries, where he was known and loved by so many employees and customers.
He was preceded in death by his father, Otto, mother, Agnes, sister and brother-in-law, Edith and Gus Mokijewski, and wife, Barbara Schmidt. Survivors include his children and six grandchildren, Machelle Collins (Kahleb), Mark Schmidt (Haydan, Braydan, Jadynn), Jackie and Lonny Stump (Madeline, Macie), and Heidi Schmidt, stepdaughter, Stephanie Gunn, stepson, Scott Stretz and their families (Jim, Shannon, Brandi, Janet, Brad, Jeremy) and his dachshund, GiGi.
Anyone who knew Ralph also knew that his sense of humor was one of his best qualities. He always made everyone laugh with his endless stories and jokes. He also shared so many stories of his homeland in Germany, the war, and the family and friends who remained there. He loved his country, fishing, golfing, chess, the ocean, dachshunds and mostly loved God and his children and grandchildren.
We love you and miss you, Dad. We are grateful to God for giving you to us. Rest peacefully sweet man. No more fear, no more worry, no more pain. Until we meet again……..
So sorry for your loss. Our loss too. He was always funny, witty and a pleasure to be around. Hard to believe he is gone but our prayers are with you and the rest of the family. Love you all.
Lance and Sue
We are so sorry for the loss of your dearly beloved Dad. He was a good man and always had a smile and a hug for me whenever I saw him. May God bless his soul and comfort you with fond memories.
Jackie,
Wow, your Dad sure was a great Man!
Our sincere condolences to you, Lonnie, and the girls.
May God bless you!
‘Barb, Scott, Sarah and Nick Sorel
Jackie, I did not know your dad but I would have enjoyed knowing him I am sure. So sorry to hear of his passing. He is well taken care in the hands of the Lord. It is us that is left behind that needs the prayers and friends. God bless.
Dear Jackie,
It is always hard to lose a parent. Your Dad sounds like a great guy who was fun to be around. Know that prayers are coming your way to help ease the loss. May all your wonderful memories of him help ease the pain.
God Bless you and your family!
Paula and Carl
I met Ralph at Costentino’s Apple Market. As a customer I got to know Ralph a bit. His sense of humor for sure was tops. He always made me laugh. Even on his days off you would find Ralph either at the Apple Market or Hyvee scratching off scratchers tickets. We always had this joke that we were following each other because if I didn’t see him at the Apple Market I would turn around and see him behind me at the customer service desk or the kiosk at HyVee. Ralph will surely be missed and thought of very often. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Opie sounds like he was a terrific man, and that sure shows through his daughters and grandchildren. Sending many prayers and much love to all who knew him ??
I met Ralph at Apple Market. Always smile on his face when he was working & I was at lottery machine he would come over tell me not to buy all winning tickets he had to get some also. Seen at HyVee doing his tickets feel like I just seen him. So sorry for the family loss
My condolences to the family. I worked with Ralph for many years at Apple Market. He always said that him and I were the foreigners because he was from Germany and I’m from Canada. I sure am going to miss your Dad. He was an awesome man and I am so happy to have known him.
RIP Soldier, Thank You for your service for our freedoms we take advantage of everyday. What a great American! May your family keep his memories close always. ?? Sorry for your loss.
Ralph Ralph Ralph !
I was so saddened to learn of your passing. Tears. I was a constant customer at the Apple Market Cosentino store. I so enjoyed talking to Ralph. He always asked me about my 93-year-old Mother and how we were doing. I am going to miss seeing my friend. But at the same time, I am joyful for Ralph that he is now in Heaven, in perfect happiness. Some day, I hope to see my friend again and my Dad in Heaven. My condolences to Ralph’s loved ones. May God comfort you during this time. Sincerely, sheila
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Ralph a few years back and one thing I can say for sure is that if you ever had the chance to listen and talk to Ralph, then you were left with a long-lasting impression. In the best way. My condolences to his closest ones.
Rest well Ralph, you will be missed old friend.
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BUDDY. I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW MUCH FUN IT WAS TO WORK WITH YOU. I TRULY BELIEVE YOU BROUGHT APPLEMARKET MANY EXTRA CUSTOMERS JUST BECAUSE OF YOUR PERSONALITY AND OF COURSE HUMOR. MY FAVORITE WAS WHEN YOU TOLD ME TO GET TO THE BACK OF THE TRUCK OR NO COOKIE. LOVE YOU MAN! RIP
My condolences to Ralph’s family. I still to this day remember Ralph coming in and asking me if I would hire him. He was so humble and gracious when he asked me, I couldn’t refuse him. Many times he thanked me for giving him the job. I have hired many people over the years, but Ralph was one of the best teammates I ever hired. I should have thanked Ralph for asking me for a job. He brought so much joy and energy to the environment at Apple Market.
My life was greatly enriched having got to know Ralph
Ralph will truly be missed.
Dearest Ralph,
I am so glad to have had the great pleasure of working with you at Apple Market. You brought such joy & laughter to everyone around you. Your humor, intelligence, advice, stories of old, & most of all your special friendship will always rest in my heart. Good bye for now, Dear Friend.
I was a customer at apple market and always loved chatting with Ralph. My daughter Ashlyn worked with him in high school. He was like a second grandpa to her. Or as she called him mein opa . Sending prayers for your family and everyone at the apple market family as well.
Dear Jackie – I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Although I never knew him I know he created a wonderful daughter that I am sure carries on his legacies with a smile and a runway model. I hope that your memories of him will help you in this time of loss and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Loved working with Ralph at the Apple Market. Ralph was such a kind person and interesting person loved all his stories. Loved hearing about the when the Americans came to his town and sat him on the tank and gave him candy.
I am sorry for the families loss. I worked with Ralph for 15 years at Apple mkt! He was a great man! He liked ro joke and laugh. He was full of advice and knowledge. He cared in his heart for so many people. He bragged about his family. He shared many interesting stories. He is missed. .
I met Ralph while working at apple market. No matter the day I was having I always knew he would have me laughing and smiling before I left for the day. I love you Ralph. You were a blessing and joy to have in life. I will always love and miss your jokes. Until we meet again