Darrel F. Schmidt, age 92, of South Haven, died Friday, May 23, 2025, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Kimball United Methodist Church with Pastor Lori Artner officiating. Burial will follow at Fairhaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday and 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, both at the church. Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association.
Darrel Franklin Schmidt was born on November 11, 1932, on the family farm near Fairhaven, Minn. He was one of seven sons born to Theodore and Ada (Meyer) Schmidt. A 1950 graduate of Kimball High School, Darrel married Elizabeth J. DeChaney in 1952. Together they raised four children before her passing in 1983. In 1985, he married Luverne Kubinski, who also preceded him in death in 1994. In 2003, Darrel found love again with Jane Westrup.
Darrel grew up farming and spent his adult life working in road construction as a contractor. He started his own business, DF Schmidt Construction, later changing the name to Schmidt Curb Co. Inc. when his son, Tom, partnered in the business with him. He raised his children on two hobby farms, where at one time he kept over 20 horses and always had at least one cow to milk. Later in life, he enjoyed living by the lake, where he spent countless hours panfishing and hosting fish fries.
Known for his strong work ethic, Darrel passed on that value to his children and grandchildren. He had an incredible memory for names and faces and was often considered the go-to expert on the Schmidt family tree. A man who worked hard and played hard, he embraced the snowbird lifestyle for many years, spending winters in Arizona and Texas.
Darrel loved fishing, playing cards, going for drives, and catching up with family and friends-often in short, cheerful visits. His warmth, energy, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Darrel is survived by his special and loving companion, Jane Westrup, who has been an important part of his life since 2003; son, Thomas (longtime partner, Maggie Bania) of Annandale; daughters, Natalie (Charles) Johnson of Kimball and Julianne Shirley of Bastrop, Texas; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Schmidt of Annandale; 18 grandchildren, April, Tony, Kelly, Abby, Nick, Emily, Janelle, Jennifer, Brian, Adam, Levi, Bethany, Tina, Tracy, Tammy, Tara, Nathan, and Evan; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; stepdaughters, Julie (Tom) Revering and Jill Dixon; stepson, Kerry Kubinski; bonus children, Keith (Betty) Westrup, Kim (Wendy) Westrup, Kari (Leonard) Siltanen, Kathy (Flave) Kraemer, Kurtis (Rita) Westrup, and Kevin (Ria) Westrup; 11 bonus grandchildren; 3 bonus great-grandchildren; brothers, Ronnie (Marlys) Schmidt and Roger (Peggy) Schmidt; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wives Elizabeth and Luverne; son, Roland; and brothers, Chester, Howard, Delmer, and Kenneth.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.
Obituary, Guestbook and Video Tribute are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.