Cletus W. Schmidt, 83, of Rockford passed away on December 30, 2021 at Van Wert Health.

He was born on April 12, 1938, in Coldwater, Ohio the son of the late Vincent Schmidt and Elvira (Ontrop) Schmidt. On October 18, 1961, he married the former Irene Kuether, who survives.

Cletus was a 1956 graduate of Fort Recovery High School. He went on to join the Army, serving from June 1957 until June of 1959. Cletus worked at International Harvester/Navistar, and also worked part time for Mike Bruns Heating and Plumbing. Cletus was a member of St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Rockford since 1962. He was also a member of the Rockford American Legion Post #508. He enjoyed gardening, mowing, and landscaping. Cletus was also an avid walker, and especially enjoyed walking with his sidekick Mikey. He also enjoyed fishing and learning German Polka dancing with his wife, Irene. Cletus was a 1957 Chevy collector and enjoyed going to car shows with his car. Cletus helped run the Rockford Car Show for many years. But Cletus especially loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Irene, surviving are four children; Joseph (Uihwa) Schmidt of Bellbrook, Ohio, Debbie (Kerry) Roehm of Rockford, Donna (Larry) Gibson of Rockford, Jerome (Nancy) Schmidt of Willshire, two brothers; David (Alice) Schmidt of Coldwater, Ronald (Linda) Schmidt of Minster, one sister; Mary Ann (Jerry) Knapke of Celina, two sisters-in-law; Therese Schmidt of Sidney, Ohio, and Carol Schmidt of Union City, Ohio, thirteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Cletus was preceded in death by an infant son, Robert Schmidt, and three brothers; Roger Schmidt, Vincent Schmidt, Jr., and infant brother Joseph Schmidt.

Services will be held 10:30 am Wednesday January 5, 2022 at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, with Father Tom Brenberger officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, 3750 US-33 Rockford, OH 45882.

Family and friends will be received from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, and from 9:00 am until 10:00 am on Wednesday January 5, 2022 at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First Street Rockford, OH 45882.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Cletus`s memory may be sent to CHP Home Care and Hospice in Van Wert.

To share in Cletus's online memorial, please visit www.ketchamripley.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First Street, Rockford, OH 45882.