Mark James Schmitt, 64, passed away July 12, 2025, surrounded by his family at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. He was born on July 7, 1961, in Great Bend, to Vernon and Dorothy (Wagner) Schmitt. On September 15, 2006, he married Laura Wilson in Great Bend.
A resident of Great Bend, Mark worked as a heavy equipment operator for Great Bend Township. He was a member and former president of Bikers of Central Kansas. Mark enjoyed motorcycles, wood working, fishing – even making his own lures, camping, hummingbirds, and in his younger years, hunting. His love of the outdoors was showcased in his many sunrise pictures, enjoying his work partially because of his mornings outside. Mark also enjoyed putting together the family ancestry, cooking, and adored his time spent with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of the home; son, Robert Schmitt and wife Sarah of Newton and their children, Gwendolyn and Sophia; three daughters, Chasity Navarro and husband Brian of Edmond, Oklahoma, and their children, Rylie and Parker, Danielle McNutt of Great Bend and her children, Taigen, Bristol and Stryker, and Terra DeCarolis and wife Jesse of Great Bend and their child, Keller; his father of Great Bend; brother, Scott Schmitt and wife Sharon of Ellis; sister, Tracy Jenisch and husband Jason of Harrisonville, Missouri; two nieces; one nephew; and numerous other loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his mother.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Solid Word Ministries of Kansas, in Great Bend, with Pastor Mark Williams presiding. A time of fellowship will directly follow. The family highly suggests that overalls be worn to the celebration. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to the Mark Schmitt Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.