Joel Elwood Schmidt, 71, of Gravette, AR went to Heaven peacefully on the morning of December 12th, 2022.  The last few weeks of recent heart complications led Joel to his final resting days at the comforting Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, AR.  He was born February 15th, 1951, in Great Bend, KS.

Larned, KS was Joel's childhood home where his parents Garfield and Bertine (Dirks) Schmidt raised three boys.  He finished his schooling at Larned High School in 1970 and received a bachelor's degree at Kansas State University in 1973.

Joel married Trudy Deeds in Manhattan, KS on December 18th, 1971.  After their marriage and completion of college, they moved to a wonderful home in the country by Little River, KS in 1973.  Joel worked for the salt plant in Lyons for a while but landed a 43 year career with a pipline company West of McPherson.  He was active in the Congregational Church in Little River, taught Sunday School, especially enjoyed teaching Children's Story during church, Men's Fellowship and the annual church sale.

One of the main things to know about our beloved Joel is that he was a giver.  He never seemed to meet a stranger and always helped people in different ways.  The love of Christ shined through Joel and set a good example for many.

Joel is survived by his wife, Trudy of Gravette, AR; children, Sarah (Nathan) Nusz of KS, Jason (Julie) Schmidt of AR, Christina (David) Gibbs of FL, and Katie Schmidt of KS; six grandchildren; brothers, Clair (Cindy) Schmidt of WA and John (Anne) Schmidt of KS; mother-in-law, Jeanne Deeds of KS; and a host of other beloved family members.

No formal funeral is planned, but a date for his celebration of life service will be determined in the future.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Circle of Life Hospice, 1201 NE Legacy Pkwy, Bentonville, AR 72712.  Cards of condolences and memories can be sent to The Schmidt's, PO Box 91, Gravette AR 72736.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.  On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.