Richard L. Schmaus

Richard Leo Schmaus, age 80 of Enid, Oklahoma (formerly of Park Rapids, MN) peacefully entered eternity on October 31, 2016 at his home in Enid with his family at his side. Richard was born June 12, 1936, on the Ponsford prairie to George and Edna (Ness) Schmaus; he was the 6th of 8 children. He attended country school and went on to graduate from Park Rapids High School class of 1954. He joined the United States Air Force in 1955 and was an airborne radio operator on the KC-97. He was stationed in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. On August 31, 1957, he married a sweet girl from Fergus Falls, Phyllis Jean Rindahl and they would enjoy a 54-year marriage. After fulfilling his commitment to the Air Force, the couple moved back to the place they loved, Minnesota. They had two children, Michael and Suzanne. Richard worked as a Research Chemist for the Delmark Company and then was promoted to Scientific Specialist when the company was acquired by Sandoz Nutrition. One of the projects he was most proud of was working on the Optifast diet. Richard retired early at age 55, so he could enjoy his later years living in the country on Boot Lake. He loved the outdoors, it didn't matter if it was chopping wood or tending the garden, and he was outside all the time. He was an avid sportsman; hunting and fishing were his favorite pastimes. He liked to reload shells and help teach his grandchildren and neighboring children how to hunt and shoot. He loved sports, especially football. He was a true Vikings fan. Richard was solid in his faith. He attended St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Enid, Oklahoma, as well as being a long time member of St. Theodore's in Ponsford, MN. He will lovingly be remembered by his daughter Suzanne (Jon) Scott of Enid; his son, Michael Schmaus of Coon Rapids; his seven amazing grandchildren: Rick, Samantha, Colby, Logan, Jake, Kirby, and Luke; and his great-grandchildren; Kip and Zoe; 1 brother Grant (Lil) Schmaus; his like-a-son great nephew Milek Kivi and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He cherished his memories with his "Boot Lake Family". Richard was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis; his parents; 2 brothers, and 4 sisters and one newborn grandson, Nicholas. A funeral mass will be held 10 AM Monday, November 7, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets, MN with Father Thomas Friedl officiating, a luncheon will follow the mass, and burial will be held at Lakeside Cemetery, Two Inlets, MN with military honors provided by Star of the North Marine Corp League.  Visitation will be held 6-8 PM Sunday November 6, 2016 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN where an evening prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM Sunday.