Louise Schmidtlein

Louise Irene Schmidtlein, 80, Topeka, went to heaven surrounded by her faithful spouse, children, and grandchildren at her home, Wed., Sept. 9, 2009. Louise was born October 9, 1928, in Topeka, the daughter of John and Barbara Schiffelbein Besler. On May 10, 1949, Louise and Bernard (Ben) Schmidtlein were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Church. They enjoyed 60 wonderful years together. With her husband, Louise was an original founder and vice-president of Schmidtlein Construction, later Schmidtlein Excavating. To her, the most important titles she held were devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Lou was her mother’s caregiver for many years and also cooked meals daily for Ben’s parents in their later years. She had a beautiful rose garden and shared those roses as altar flowers at church. She was a life-long member of Sacred Heart Church and a member of the Ladies Altar Society. Survivors include her husband, Ben Schmidtlein; children, Barbie and Steve Swartzman, Linda and Tim Rohr, Gerry Schmidtlein (deceased), Dave and Glenda Schmidtlein, Diane and Dwight Menke, Tom and Debbie Schmidtlein, Bernard and Barb Schmidtlein, Alice and Kenny Ziegler, Danny and Theresa Schmidtlein, Tony and Melonie Schmidtlein, Colleen and Gerry Kramer, and Brian and Julie Schmidtlein; her 47 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her sister, Amy and Tom Smith and sister-in-law, Julie Besler Clark. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Pete Besler, sister and her husband, Marge and Ed Volz, her son-in-law, Jack Herrman and grandson, Luke Anthony Schmidtlein. Family will greet friends from 4 until 8 p.m. today at Sacred Heart Church, where a Ladies Altar Sodality rosary will be prayed at 4:30 and the parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, Marian Clinic, Midland Hospice, Birthright of Topeka, and Hayden High School, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614.

Louise Schmidtlein

October 9, 1928 - September 11, 2009