Michael R. Schmidt, age 74, of South Haven, died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta knowing he was deeply loved.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Zion Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Ken Tatkenhorst officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Memorials are preferred Quiet Oaks Hospice or Zion Lutheran Church.
Michael Ray Schmidt was born in Yankton, South Dakota on Oct. 6, 1950, to Harold and Margaret (Baade) Schmidt. Mike grew up in Gayville, South Dakota and graduated in 1968 from Gayville High School. He went on to obtain his bachelor of science degree in Psychology from Augsburg. While a student at Augsburg, Mike was a member of the men’s soccer team. On March 23, 1974, Mike was united in marriage to Deborah A. Mitchell at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Garner, Iowa. They made their home in Excelsior, Fairmont, and Annandale, prior to moving to their current home on Lake Sylvia near South Haven in 1989.
Mike dedicated his life to serving others as a school social worker in the Monticello School District. His compassionate nature and willingness to lend an ear, provided an impact on countless students and colleagues.
Outside of his professional life, Mike was a man of many passions. He was a beekeeper for over 40 years, making connections and friends all the way too Texas. He was involved with organizations such as the Minnesota and the American Honey Producers Associations. Mike served various roles in the church, his commitment to his faith and community was unwavering. He also served on the Annandale School Board, volunteered with the Heart of the Lakes Triathlon, and started the Pinewood Running Club in the Monticello school for his fellow colleagues.
In his personal life, Mike cherished spending time with his beloved family. He adored his grandchildren and took on the role of poppy with grace and love. Mike found joy in simple pleasures like tending to his garden, especially his potatoes, exploring the outdoors, particularly lakes without the use of motors, and enjoyed traveling to new destinations. He shared his passion for running by participating in marathons and half marathons, and cheering on the Annandale cross country team. He had a sense of humor and was known for finding road treasures for family and friends. His tinkering spirit and generous nature were evident in all aspects of his life.
Mike was diagnosed with cancer in the spring of 2023. Mike has finished this race, his hardest one, and seized the ultimate prize of eternal life, while grabbing hold of our Lord, our Savior’s hand.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Deb of South Haven; children, Christian of St. Louis Park, and Gretchen (Jeremy) Etzler of Otsego; adoring grandchildren, Graham and Sloan; sister, Pam Barta of Gayville, South Dakota; brothers-in-law, Dan (Cari) Mitchell and Dennis (Barb) Mitchell both of Florida; and other family members and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret; best friend, Bill Lauer; brother-in-law, Bob Barta; great-nephew, Zach Barta; and parents-in-law, Harvey and Thelma Mitchell.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
The obituary, guestbook, video tribute, and funeral webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.