Francis
Francis Schmidt
d. July 15, 2019
Francis Jerome Schmidt of Plainview, MN passed away peacefully at Green
Prairie Rehabilitation Center July 15, 2019 at the wonderful age of 94. Francis
was born April 1st, 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 September 23rd, 1947, he was united in marriage
to Rita VanHouten of Millville at St. Patrick 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 Catholic church of St. Mary’s of 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 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, 3 step great-grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild on the way, and 6
great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Peg Marquette of
Sacramento, CA, and Kathleen (Bill) Hollman of Lake City, brother George of
Rochester.
He is 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 Father Becker for his many visits.
The funeral mass will be Monday, July 22nd at 11 a.m. at St. Joachim’s Catholic
Church in Plainview with Father Becker officiating. Burial will be at St. Joachim’s
cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 on Sunday, July 21st at Schad and Zabel
Funeral Home and one hour prior to mass at the church.
Schad & Zabel Funeral Home, 57 3rd St SW, Plainview, Mn, 55964, 507-534-
2003
schadandzabelfuneralhomes.com
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