Bernard Schmidt, 73

Bernard Michael “Bernie” Schmidt, age 73, of Hammond, died on April 20, 2011, at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

Bernie was born on June 23, 1937, to Leo B. and Elsie M. (Huppert) Schmidt in El Paso Township. He was raised on the family farmstead where he attended school in Big River. As a young man, he was drafted into the Armed Forces and proudly served in the United States Army. On May 15, 1965, he was united in marriage to Audrey Jean McNeal at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings. This union would be blessed with three children; Jeanne, Beth, and Mark.

He loved farming, driving tractor, or working the fields. When he wasn’t tending to his own crops, he loved a country ride checking corn growth, alfalfa fields, or simply the beauty of a farm field. Besides farming, he worked over the years for JB Metal Coat, River Falls Cenex Feed Mill, and most recently Friday Canning in New Richmond. He looked forward to reading the local paper, front to back! He also enjoyed a game of cribbage or euchre, hunting and fishing, and a trip to the casino. His favorite, however, was watching his grandchildren and spending time with family, especially at the lake. He will be missed at Best Maid Cookies as he was a regular and connoisseur of their treats.

Bernie will always remain in the hearts of his children Beth (Lynn) Pabst of Hammond, Mark (Emily) Schmidt of Hammond; son-in-law Kevin Krenz of Hudson; grandchildren Travis, Ashley, Kayla, Morgan, Blake; siblings Willy Schmidt of River Falls, Kathleen (Robert) Geraets of Elmwood, Mary (Michael ) Hines of Ellsworth, Dorothy (Dave) Shoemaker of Ellsworth, Tilly (Dennis) Riemenschneider of River Falls, Paul Schmidt of River Falls; brother-in-law, James (Pam) McNeal of Beldenville, Wis.; best buddy, Rudy; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo B. and Elsie M. (Huppert) Schmidt; wife, Audrey; daughter Jeanne Krenz; grandson Chance; and siblings Joe Schmidt, Butch Schmidt, and Huntz Schmidt.

Funeral service for Bernie Schmidt was 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Music was provided by Kristin Hoffman and Abbey Wellens. Burial with full military honors by the Hammond American Legion Post was in the Hammond Cemetery. Urn bearers were James McNeal, Dave Shoemaker, Dennis Riemenschneider, Michael Hines and Robert Geraets. Visitation was 1 hour prior to the service at church on Saturday morning. Memorials preferred.

Funeral services were provided by the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.

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