November 4, 2015

Berniece Margaret Schmitz, 94, of Iola, Kan., died on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, at Iola Nursing and Residential Care Center. Berniece was born March 12, 1921, in Centertown, Mo., to William and Dora (Shubert) Kiesling. She graduated from Centertown High School and then attended secretarial school. For many years she worked as a certified nurse’s aide and medication aide at Sugar Valley Nursing Home in Mound City, Kan.
On May 3, 1952, she married John Richard Schmitz in Kansas City, Mo. He preceded her in death in August 1979.
Berniece was also preceded in death by her daughter Sharon Schmitz; one brother Roy Kiesling; and one sister Erma Kiesling.
Survivors include one son David Schmitz and his wife, Rita, of Iola; three grandchildren Sarah, Justin and Emilee; and two great-grandchildren Andrea and Jonathan.
A graveside service for Berniece was held at 11 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, at Curry Cemetery, Mound City, Kan. The family received friends prior to the service at the Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory, Mound City Chapel. The family suggests memorial contributions to American Heart Association in care of the funeral home at P.O. Box J, Mound City, KS 66056. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.schneiderfunerals.com. Arrangements: Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory, Mound City Chapel.