Dennis Arthur Schmalz, 73 of Alma, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at his home in Columbia.
Dennis Schmalz was born on Monday, January 14, 1952, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Richard Schmalz and Agnes (Bezko) Schmalz. He graduated from Wheeling High School and went on to serve his country proudly in the United States Air Force, enlisting in 1972.
After his military service, Dennis being a true jack-of-all-trades, wore many hats throughout his life: welder, crane operator, ironworker, coal miner, and mechanic before finding interest in nursing. He worked as a traveling registered nurse and settled in Columbia, Missouri in 1989. There, he continued his career in healthcare at the University of Missouri, where he worked until his retirement in 2004.
On August 25, 1990, Dennis married Patricia (Corder) Schmalz. Together, they shared 35 years of love, laughter, and companionship. He was a musician who loved playing the guitar but loved building guitars even more. He built 65 guitars by hand throughout his retirement. Dennis was a fisherman as well and enjoyed the quiet moments by the water. He was a passionate man who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving are his wife, Patricia Schmalz of the home; two sons, Ezekiel Schmalz of Alma, MO and Thomas Schmalz of Alma; three daughters, Sara Schmalz of Columbia, MO, Katrina (Josh) Hyde of Wheeling, WV and Aimee Schmalz of Wheeling, WV; one sister, Ruth Ann Schmalz of WV; three grandchildren, Lucus Schmalz, Arbor and Irie Hyde. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard Schmalz and Butch Schmalz.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home and burial with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery located at 20109 Bus. MO-13 Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Casket bearers: Kelly Clay, Mel Fetter, Leigh Johnson, Jimmy Perrin, Kent Tieman, Mark Wooden. Honorary bearers: Ted Haling and Jeff Wallace.
Memorials may be made to (CDCE) – VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement, for helping veterans with food, clothes and other resources. Donate online at www.cdceportal.va.gov or mailing to 915 Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
