Thomas Schmitz, Longtime Iowa Farmer, Dies at 79

Schmitz was remembered for his dedication to his wife and family, as well as his lifelong passion for farming and antique tractors.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Thomas Joseph Schmitz, a longtime farmer from Harlan, Iowa, passed away on February 11, 2026 at the age of 79. Schmitz was known for his love of farming, antique tractors, and his unwavering commitment to caring for his wife Beverly as she battled Alzheimer's disease in her final years.

Why it matters

Schmitz's story highlights the challenges and joys of a life dedicated to agriculture, family, and community in rural Iowa. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation of farmers who helped shape the state's agricultural identity.

The details

Schmitz was born in 1946 in Panama, Iowa and spent his life working as a farmer. After attending technical school and Iowa State University, he enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971. In 1968, he married Beverly Sue Thomsen, and they had three children together. Schmitz semi-retired in 2023 but continued to tinker on his antique tractor collection and support his family on the farm. In his final years, he was dedicated to caring for his wife Beverly as she battled Alzheimer's disease.

  • Schmitz was born on June 6, 1946.
  • He married Beverly Sue Thomsen on December 28, 1968.
  • Schmitz enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971.
  • He semi-retired from farming in 2023.
  • Schmitz passed away on February 11, 2026 at the age of 79.

The players

Thomas Joseph Schmitz

A longtime farmer from Harlan, Iowa who passed away at the age of 79. He was known for his love of farming, antique tractors, and his dedication to caring for his wife Beverly as she battled Alzheimer's disease.

Beverly Schmitz

Schmitz's wife of over 50 years, who battled Alzheimer's disease in her final years. Schmitz was committed to caring for her during this time.

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What’s next

A mass of Christian burial for Thomas Schmitz will be held on Thursday, February 19th at 11 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa.

The takeaway

Schmitz's life story exemplifies the enduring values of hard work, family, and community that have long defined rural Iowa. His dedication to his wife and lifelong passion for farming will be remembered by all who knew him.