Ernest Schmoll

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Ernest Eugene Schmoll, 82, of Pleasant Hill, Mo., died Dec. 25, 2007, following an extended illness.

Ernie was born Dec. 11, 1925, in Gunn City, the eldest of four children born to Jesse and Fern (Clapper) Schmoll. He attended the Germantown rural school and graduated from Freeman High School in 1944. He served with the U.S. Army in Japan during the American occupation after World War II. He attended Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, where he met his future wife, June Phelps, daughter of Lee and Thelma (Crabtree) Phelps.

Ernie and June were married Oct. 23, 1949, at the Holden RLDS (Community of Christ) Church. They began a small farming operation, which grew over the years to more than 2,000 acres of row crops, livestock and registered Holstein dairy cattle. They were the owners of a number of prize dairy cows, which they enjoyed showing at fairs throughout the Midwest. After the death of his sister, Mary Catherine Betts, Ernie and June provided a home for her two children, David and Terry Betts. After retiring from farming, Ernie and June enjoyed spending winters in south Texas.

For many years, Ernie and June hosted a family reunion for descendants of his great-grandparents, Tobias and Johanna Schmoll, who came to the U.S. in 1866 from Hausen, Germany, and settled in Cass County in 1872.

Ernie was a longtime member of the Pleasant Hill Community of Christ, where he served several terms as presiding elder. He helped construct the current church on Timber Street and played a significant role in maintaining and updating the building over the years. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1957. He brought ministry to many people and presided at many baptisms, weddings and worship services. He was active in the Pleasant Hill Ministerial Alliance and its community outreach programs.

Ernie's hobbies included hunting, fishing and restoring antique cars. He was proud of his collection of 1966 Chevrolets, giving one to each of his daughters and their husbands. He was active in a number of farm organizations and served on the East Lynne School Board, (list others). He played a significant role in maintaining the Staley Mound Cemetery.

His parents and his sister, Mary Catherine, preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, June Marcella Schmoll; three daughters, Donna Pfautsch of Harrisonville, Sheryl Young of Creston, Iowa; and Janet Meyer of Pleasant Hill; two brothers, Robert Schmoll of Harrisonville and Donald Schmoll of Shaumburg, Ill.; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and a host of friends and other relatives.

Services were held Friday, December 28, 2007, at the Pleasant Hill Community of Christ church, burial was in Staley Mound Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Community of Christ Church in Pleasant Hill or the Staley Mound Cemetery Association, in care of Cletis Snyder, 22416 S. Staley Mound Road, Pleasant Hill, MO 64080