Charles Schmidtberger

Charles R. Schmidtberger was born July 1, 1935, in Big Rapids, Mich., to Herman and Luetta (Turner) Schmidtberger.

The family moved to Russell County where Charles attended grade school in Fairport and graduated from Paradise High School in 1953.

After high school, he joined the Navy and was a machinist mate aboard the USS Essex Aircraft Carrier.

He married Rosalie Naylor July 10, 1955, at Natoma. They lived in Bremerton, Wash., until Charles was honorably discharged from the Navy in March 1956. They returned to Russell where he was hired as a patrol officer for the Russell Police Department.

On Sept. 4, 1962, Charles was appointed game protector for Kansas Wildlife and Parks in Marion County. After 32 years of service, he retired in 1994.

After retiring, he traveled extensively and enjoyed woodworking, antique fan restoration, camping, fishing, and family activities.

Charles was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Marion.

Charles is survived by his wife, Rosalie; children, Lori and husband Patrick Loney of Derby, and Michael and wife Brenda Schmidtberger of Gardner; sister, Donna and husband Dennis Albrecht of Russell; five grandchildren, David Schmidtberg, Stacy and husband Nate Ross, Jeremy Loney, Kaitlin Loney, and Morgan Schmidtberger; and four great-grandchildren, Ashley Schmidtberger, Austin Wolfe, Isabella Ross, and Gavin Ross.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Larry; and son, Roger.

Services were at 11 a.m. Friday at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Marion.

Interment was in Marion Cemetery with military rites by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Honor Guard.

A memorial fund has been established with Our Savior Lutheran Church and can be made in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Marion KS 66861.