Mark Allen Schmid

     Mark Allen Schmid, 72, of Everly, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, March 17, 2023. 

     Mark was born to John and Erma Schmid in Spencer, Iowa on July 10, 1950.  He was raised on a farm south of Fostoria and graduated from Spencer High School in 1968.  His profound love for the Cyclones began when he attended Iowa State University, from which he graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science.  He then returned to Spencer where he began his farming career.  

     He met the love of his life, Rebecca Plagman, on a blind date at Mathieson’s (Weasy’s) in 1974.  They were married in 1975 and had a fun social life filled with dances, slow-pitch softball, dinners out, and endless time with family and friends.  Mark and Becky welcomed their eldest daughter, Kristina, in 1977.  They moved to their farm north of Everly in 1979 and began making their home and life in the Everly area.  They welcomed their son, Brian, in 1979 and their youngest daughter, Kerry, in 1981.  Mark was a fun and active dad who could often be found playing softball with the kids in the yard, helping his kids get 4-H cattle and pigs ready for the fair, or picking up a quick game of HORSE in the driveway before supper.  Mark never failed to make sure his wife and kids felt loved every day.  

     Farming was not only a career for Mark, but it was also his passion.  He enjoyed crop farming and John Deere equipment for 50 years, 48 of which were alongside his wife, Becky.  He was a lifelong supporter of the 4-H program and local agricultural organizations. 

     Outside of the farm, he enjoyed golfing, watching his oldest grandkids in sports and activities, swinging his youngest two granddaughters on the playset, sitting on the patio drinking a beer, and traveling with his beloved wife, Becky.  He was gentle and kind with a quick-witted sense of humor and will be remembered for the huge smile he always wore, his friendly demeanor, and his outgoing personality.  Mark loved talking with friends and acquaintances and meeting new people – he truly knew no strangers.  

     Mark was proud to wear many titles in life:  husband, dad, grandpa, brother-in-law, son, volunteer and friend.  He was active in slow-pitch softball and Jaycees in his early adult life.  Volunteering in his community was his passion, and it showed from the many boards and committees on which he served.  He served numerous years on the Everly and Clay Central-Everly School Boards, serving as president for many of the years.  He was active in the Clay County Cattlemen, serving as both president and treasurer, and loved the many years he spent serving steaks and burgers at the Branding Iron at the Clay County Fair.  He was also President of the Clay County Farm Business Association and served on the state Farm Business Association for many years.  He was a member of the Spencer Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee, the Ag Outlook Committee, and the Hap Ketelsen Community Center Board.  He was the current president of the Spencer Community Schools Foundation, a group he was extremely proud to lead and be part of.    

     Mark was a devout Catholic with a strong, unwavering faith and was an active member of his church throughout his life.  He was so honored to be his grandson’s Confirmation sponsor in 2021.

     Mark is preceded in death by his parents, John and Erma Schmid, his father-in-law, Donald Plagman, his infant brother, Joel, and many aunts and uncles.

     He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Schmid; his children: Kristina (Mike) Danilson of Gilbert, Iowa, Brian (Andrea) Schmid of Sacramento, California, and Kerry (Chris) Self of Spencer, Iowa; six grandchildren: Jacob and Maggie Danilson, Anna and Isabelle Schmid, and Adaline and Jocelyn Self; his mother-in-law, Florence Plagman; his sisters- and brothers-in-law, his brother, Paul Schmid; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends; and his spoiled shop cat, Pippa.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 24, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer.


In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the Spencer Schools Foundation or the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society.

Father Brian Feller
Father Tim Hogan

Leo Behrens
Jeff Pearson
Jarett Smith
Mike Schon
Matt Mayer
Jeremy Theissen
Steve Berends 
Gary Klett

Honorary Bearers
His Grandchildren - 
Jacob Danilson
Maggie Danilson
Anna Schmid
Isabelle Schmid
Adaline Self
Jocelyn Self

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., Thursday evening at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

There will be a Catholic Vigil Service before the visitation at 4:30 P.M also at the church.

Pianist - Donna Davis
Cantor - Chelsea Swenson

"Be Not Afraid"
"On Eagle's Wings"
"Prayer of St. Francis"
"The Lord's Prayer"
"O Holy Night"
"O Loving God"
"Amazing Grace"

Riverside Cemetery
Spencer, Iowa