Dean H. Schemm

Kristina Hemel
6 days ago
2 min read

Dean H. Schemm

December 22, 1930 — January 1, 2026

Sharon Springs

Dean Harvey Schemm, 95, eldest son of H.F. and Lena Schemm was born December 22, 1930 in Hays, KS. Dean departed this life on January 1, 2026 at Hope Springs in Sharon Springs, Kansas.

He was baptized on January 18, 1931 in Wakeeney, KS, and confirmed in the Sharon Lutheran Church on September 8, 1946. Dean graduated in 1948 from Wallace County Community High School.

Dean lived on the family farm south of Wallace in the Harrison Flats community his entire life, where he farmed and had a dairy for many years. He was married to Mildred Olson on November 26, 1950. Three sons were born to this union; Darrel (Sandra), Rodney (Cynthia) and Kenneth (Dolores).

Dean was preceded in death by his wife Mildred, son Kenneth and two brothers Vernon and Melvin.

Dean was community oriented. He was deeply involved in the Sharon Lutheran Church. He served on the Soil Conservation Board, Coop Board, Harrison Township Board, Wallace County School Board, Servi-Tech Board and Ft. Wallace Memorial Association. He became an EMT with Wallace County and served for 21 years. He was a member of the 7th Cavalry drill team in 1960, which participated in numerous parades including the Dallas Cotton Bowl parade.

He enjoyed being with family, taking his children and grandchildren fishing and water skiing. Woodworking and stained glass were two of his favorite hobbies that he shared with his family, friends and community. His cutout wooden Christmas ornaments were his trademark.

Dean and Art Mai built the altar, pulpit and the lectern in the Sharon Lutheran sanctuary. Dean also built the stained glass window above the altar. Many of the cases and trims were built by Dean for the Ft. Wallace Museum.

The family will be forever grateful for the love, care and attention that Dean received from all the staff at Hope Springs.

Dean is survived by his sons Darrel (Sandra) and Rodney (Cynthia), daughter-in-law Dolores, grandchildren Tanya (Waide) Purvis of Westmoreland, KS, Jesse (Rachel) of Wichita, KS, Garrett (Melissa) of Broken Arrow, OK, Jeremy (Sara) of Amarillo, TX, Cole (Sheena) of Weatherford, TX, and Justin (Deanna) Schemm of Goodland, KS. He is also survived by thirteen great grandchildren, Caleb, Chloe, Axel, Emma, Josie, Nathan, Kayla, Jackson, Claire, Nate, Trace, Zeke and Asher, as well as his brother Ronald (Barbara) of Irvine, CA and a sister-in-law Kay of Edmond, OK.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the Fort Wallace Memorial Association or to Hope Springs and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.