Francis Schmidt Obituary

Francis Jerome Schmidt of Plainview, passed away peacefully at Green Prairie Rehabilitation Center Monday, July 15, 2019 at the wonderful age of 94.  
    Francis was born April 1, 1925 to George and Bernice (Ryan) Schmidt in Pepin Township. He attended Pepin’s country school and graduated from McCahill High School in Lake City.  On Sept. 23, 1947, he was united in marriage to Rita VanHouten of Millville at St. Patrick's Catholic Church of West Albany. Francis was a farmer his whole life and after getting married they continued farming and raising their 10 children on the family farm in Lake City for 27 years, until moving to Plainview in 1974.
    While living in Plainview, he was a parts man at Kruger Implement until he retired. Francis also sold car alternators and starters out of his car and if they were lucky enough some of his kids got to ride along.
    Francis enjoyed playing cards and listening to classic, country, waltz, and polka music. He thoroughly enjoyed taking Rita dancing, tending his immaculate garden, and socializing with anyone he came across. Francis was an avid fan of Johnny Cash, Molly B Polka Show, Vikings, a good cold beer and anything chocolate. He was an active member of the St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City and St. Joachim’s of Plainview. He was a board member of the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and also a lifelong member of Knights of Columbus.
    Francis is survived by hiw wife, Rita, of 71 years; his children, Jenny Richardson of Lake City, Glenn (Linda) of Plainview, Jim (Janet) of Lake City, Gene (Arlys) of Zumbro Falls, Kathy (Jerry) Moyer of Red Wing, Jane (Rick) Coombes of Rochester, Donna (Scott) Bennett of Plainview, Jerome (Kathy) of Plainview; daughter-in-law, Kathy (Joe) Myer of Lake City, 28 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; and six great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters,Peg Marquette of Sacramento, Calif. and Kathleen (Bill) Hollman of Lake City; and brother, George of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Robert “Bob” Schmidt and William “Bill” Schmidt; three sisters, Mary O’Neil, Dorothy Sexton and Elaine Dammann; two brothers, Tom Schmidt and John Schmidt; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
    A special thanks to the amazing staff at Green Prairie Place for their care and hard work and to Fr. Becker for his many visits.
    The funeral mass will be Monday, July 22,  at 11 a.m. at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church in Plainview with Fr.  William Becker officiating. Burial will be at St. Joachim’s cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 at Schad and Zabel Funeral Home and one hour prior to mass at the church on Monday.
    Schad and Zabel Funeral Home of Plainview is assisting the family with arrangments. Online condolences may be left at schadandzabelfuneralhomes.com.