Lucy J. Schmidt, age 87, of Annandale, formerly of Kimball, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, at the Annandale Care Center with her family at her side.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven with Rev. David Buchs officiating. Burial will follow at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.
Lucy Joan Schmidt was born June 2, 1936, to Joseph and Lillian (Gille) Gunnerson on her family farm outside of Annandale. Lucy attended Annandale High School until the age of 16, when she then went to work for Sears in Minneapolis. During this time, she had her eye on a young man named Milton Schmidt, who was currently serving in the Air Force. After a meeting arranged by her brother and sister-in-law, Lucy and Milton had their first date in South Haven, while Milton was home on leave.
On Jan. 14, 1956, Lucy was united in marriage to Milton at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fairhaven. With Milton’s career in the Air Force, Lucy and the kids made their home in various states and countries. They lived in Minneapolis while their first two children were born, and then moved to Montana where the second youngest child was born. Lucy and the kids returned to Fairhaven while Milton served in Alaska, before making New Jersey their home. While out in New Jersey their family became complete with the birth of their youngest child. During their time there, Lucy cleaned homes in addition to raising the kids. Milton was eventually transferred to Libya, Africa where they were able to join him before war broke out. Lucy and the kids were sent to Madrid, Spain, while Milton remained in Africa.
Eventually Lucy and the kids returned to Annandale and after 16 months they were reunited with Milton. During this separation, Lucy faithfully wrote letters to Milton as correspondence was limited. Milton’s next assignment moved the family to Maine. During this time, Lucy got to work for a school for children with special needs. Lucy always said this was her favorite job as she adored the children she got to work with every day. After three years in Maine, Milton was able to retire from the Air Force and the family returned to Minnesota. They purchased a home in Kimball in 1972 and they remained there until August of 2017 when they moved to Centennial Villa Assisted Living.
Lucy was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, where she served on the Memorial Committee. She was also a member of the Kimball American Legion Auxiliary. In her spare time, Lucy enjoyed tending to her gardens, watching and feeding birds, cooking, dancing with Milton, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lucy is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Emily) of Eden Valley, LuAnn Madson of Annandale, Mark (Deb Corbin) of Litchfield, and Joan (Steve) Murphy of Rosemount; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Judy Nothnagel of Florence, Montana, and John Gunnerson of Annandale; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Milton; two brothers, Harold “Dale” Gunnerson and Marvin “Duece” Gunnerson; and sister, Mary Arlt.
Lucy’s grandsons and nephews, Kevin and Todd Gunnerson will serve as casket bearers.
Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.
The obituary, guestbook and funeral webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.