Benno Schmidt

Benno Kurt Schmidt, 87, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, formerly of Pueblo and Pueblo West, Colorado, was delivered from rapidly declining health on April 4, 2020, and brought home to the heavenly mansion prepared for him by Jesus Christ, his trusted Lord and Savior.

Benno was born April 16, 1932, in Trojatschek, Poland, to Friedrich and Lydia Schmidt. After four and a half years in a work camp following World War II, he lived in East Germany where he was trained to be a mason. In 1957, he emigrated from West Berlin to the United States, settling in Chicago where he honed his craft, met and married his travel agent, Elsie Falkenstein, and started a family. In 1977, Benno moved with his family to Southern Colorado, eventually establishing a highly-regarded masonry business. Known for his exacting standards, Benno practiced his craft into his eighties.

He was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church and the Pueblo German Club. In 2018, Benno moved to Idaho Falls, taking up residence at Fairwinds-Sand Creek to be closer to family. In the two years he lived there, he found much joy in time spent with new friends, and on summer evenings could often be found with them sitting behind home plate enjoying a Chukars game. He attended Christ Community Church with his family.

Benno was preceded in death by his parents, 1946 and 1988 respectively; his wife, Elsie, in 1996; and his sister, Ruth, in 2018. He is survived by his children, Kurt (Elsa) Schmidt of Tucson, Arizona, Sean (Shannon) Schmidt of Idaho Falls, and Vernon (Ellie) Schmidt of Bermuda Run, North Carolina; grandchildren, Emily, Alex, Christian, Megan, Maarten, and Annie-Catherine; and his sister, Gisela Schultze, of Grebs, Germany.

Benno’s family is grateful for the compassionate and extraordinary care he received from Fairwinds-Sandcreek and Alliance Hospice, as well as the support given to the family. A memorial service and celebration of Benno’s life will take place later this year in Colorado. The family suggests that donations be made in honor of Benno to: Christian Blind Mission International, P.O. Box 340, Wheaton, IL  60187-0340. Information about the organization can be found at www.cbm.org.