Marie C. Chmidling

Marie Claire (Blecha) Chmidling, 78, Topeka, entered into eternal rest Saturday, November 29, 2025, at The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka, Kansas. She was born August 6, 1947, as the elder of twin daughters to Ernest & Eleanor (Baxa) Blecha in Belleville, Kansas.

Marie attended Albion School District #13 through eighth grade, after which she attended Munden High School, graduating in 1965. She then attended Marymount College for two years, before transferring to the University of Kansas and graduating in 1970 with a degree in Physical Education. While at KU, Marie was a member of the women’s softball team and played 3rd base. Marie enjoyed all sports, playing on numerous softball teams throughout her youth and basketball/softball for Marymount College.

She married Raymond Chmidling on June 10, 1978 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nortonville, Kansas. They were blessed during their marriage by three children, two of whom survive, Karen and Stacey, then later divorced.

Marie was a P.E.(and occasional science) teacher & coach for many years, starting her career at Horton. She then went to Hanover for two years, before relocating to Nortonville to teach at Jefferson County North. It was here where she taught and coached for the remainder of her career, winning back-to-back State Volleyball Championships in 1975 & 1976.

Marie loved music, and played the organ for her church. She also loved to craft.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, her parents, brother Richard Blecha, sister Therese (Eloise) Blecha, sister-in-law Donna Blecha, brothers-in-law Ronald Schmitz and Richard (Dick) Switzer, and great-nephew Robert Mitchell Joseph Feight,

Survivors include her daughters Karen Chmidling, of Waco, TX, and Stacey Chmidling of Topeka, twin sister Cathie Switzer of Concordia, sister Marjorie Schmitz of Topeka, brother David (Retha) Blecha of Munden, numerous nieces & nephews, and a host of family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at St. George Catholic Church in Munden, Kansas. Rosary recitation will be held prior to the Mass at 10am. Inurnment will follow the Mass at St. George Catholic Cemetery, rural Munden.

Memorials are requested to the family, and may be mailed to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, PO Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting the Chmidling family with arrangements.