Obituary of Cornelius Schmitt

Schmitt, Cornelius of Aylmer passed away peacefully at Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin on Friday, January 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 82 years old. He was born in Durango, Mexico to Cornelius and Katharina (Klassen) Schmitt.

Beloved husband of Katharina (Suderman) Schmitt. Dear father of Neil Schmitt (Annie), Suzanne West (Barry), Catarina Schmitt, Mari Driedger (John), Tony Schmitt, Nancy Froats (Neil), Lisa Schmitt (Jeff), Johnny Schmitt, and Joanna Paton (Shawn).

He is lovingly remembered by his 39 cherished grandchildren: Kristy, Sherry, Anthony, Jennifer, Carter, Adam, Alex, Allizon, Selena, Tyler, Victoria, Angel, Mitchel, Peyton, Quinn, Stephanie, Samantha, Brandon, Lauren, William, Logan, Nathaniel, Ella, Natalie, Nash, Nevaeh, Leo, Paige, Corina, Lily, Eddie, Callie, Jailyn, Aiden, Dominic, Gabriella, Savannah, and Jaxon; and by his 22 adored great-grandchildren: Lucas, Bradley, Cash, Cecelia, Conrad, Camilla, Cyril, Roman, Mason, Auston, Aaron, Oden, Jonah, Rileigh, Brandon, Grace, Apollo, Jake, Edger, Nico, Harper, Hunter, and Mateo.

He is lovingly survived by his brothers Peter (Elisabeth) Schmitt and Henry (Anna) Schmitt, his sister Getruda (Wilhelm) Loepky, and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved son Neil, his parents Katharina (Klassen) and Cornelius Schmitt, his brothers Bernhard Schmitt and Abram Schmitt, and his sisters Katharina Froese, Anna Reddekopp, Maria Janzen, Elizabeth Klassen, Sarah Harder, Helena Klassen and Justina Schmitt.

Cornelius immigrated to Canada in the mid-1970s with his wife and children, building a life rooted in faith, hard work, generosity, and devotion to family. He was a dedicated and industrious man, retiring after many years of service from Massey Ferguson Foundry and Klassens Canning. In retirement, he embraced the simple joys of country living on his hobby farm, where he lovingly tended a large garden, made maple syrup, baked homemade buns, and took pride in yard maintenance.

He had a creative and generous spirit, crafting for his loved ones for as long as his hands allowed. Cornelius enjoyed woodworking, intricate string art, and creating wooden keepsake boxes for many of his children and grandchildren. Highly mechanical and naturally gifted, he had an exceptional ability to repair machinery for family members and local farmers, despite having no formal training. He especially delighted in preparing his famous Chile Relleno whenever his children and grandchildren visited, ensuring that family gatherings were always filled with warmth, laughter, and good food.

Cornelius was deeply grateful for the many visitors who shared time with him over the years. He dearly loved his church family, many of whom often visited to offer encouragement and a warm meal. When he was no longer able to attend services in person, he remained faithfully connected by listening online. Above all, Cornelius loved and cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren very much.

Visitation will take place at H.A. Kebbel Funeral Home in Aylmer on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m., and at Lighthouse Gospel Church in Port Burwell on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held at Lighthouse Gospel Church in Port Burwell on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with interment at Aylmer Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin.