Jeffrey P. Schmidt

On Sunday, May 26, 2019, we lost a dear man. Jeffrey Paul Schmidt, 60, of Glyndon, MN, passed away at Mayo Clinic, Methodist Campus, Rochester, MN. Jeff was born in Fargo, ND, on October 11, 1958, to Francis and Mercedes (Sperling) Schmidt, the youngest of 3 children. Baptized and Confirmed in the Lutheran Faith, he continued his journey with God throughout his entire life. In his early years he spent his time pestering his sisters, playing with cousins, helping out on his aunt and uncle’s farm and attending family gatherings.

He attended school in Glyndon, graduating in 1976 from Glyndon-Felton High School. A little less school work, a little more socializing was his motto.  It was here where he made numerous friendships that continued on throughout his life. He also acquired the nickname “Mutt” from a group of best buds. Jeff loved listening to music (Oldies), spending time with friends, driving his car, Old Blue and hanging out at Bad Medicine Lake. From early on in his life he was taught a strong work ethic by spending summers working at Uncle Wilbert’s farm, Mattson Oil Company, Dahlgren’s (it was during this time period that he met Kim, playing softball for the Dahlgren’s team), Bearings & Drives and lastly Border States Electric.

On September 12, 1981, Jeff married Kim Larson and they were blessed with 3 children. They made their homes in Fargo, Moorhead and building a final home in Glyndon. Jeff enjoyed spending time outdoors: fishing, camping, mowing lawns, helping his friend Dave Kragnes with farming, and traveling, his favorite destination was Hawaii and Oregon or any place a relative lived. Jeff received a 2^nd chance of life, being a liver transplant recipient in May 2000, he became an avid advocate for organ donation with Life Source. He enjoyed attending the annual transplant picnic in Rochester and the Gift of Life House golf tournaments (as he would say, the one time a year he golfed). Jeff was a fan of the Oregon Ducks and MN Twins, treating his son to a game at the World Series in 1991. Even though he tried to downplay his like of the family dogs, Lady and Gemma were his favorites.

Most of all he loved time with his family, attending family reunions, weddings, funerals and keeping tabs reconnecting with relatives from afar on Facebook. He was his children’s biggest supporter. He will be dearly missed.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Kim; children, Brandon (Jackie) Schmidt, Alyssa (Geoffrey) Bakken and Molly Schmidt; grandchildren, Abigail, Lucas, Madison and Lauren Schmidt; sisters, Cheryl (Steve) Backsen and Carol (Scott) Landseidel; Lori & Craig Neumiller, Lisa Larson, Joni & Greg Roquet;  Aunt Marcella (Marvin) Kastama, his godparents: Aunt & Uncle Paul (Diane) Schmidt, Uncle Eugene and Aunt Maxine Schmidt and Audrey Thompson, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Mercedes; aunts and uncles: Leo and Eunice Rader, Wilbert and Lydia Sperling, Lyle Moir, Roger and Lavern Thompson.

Visitation will be Monday, June 3, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, June 4, at 1:00 p.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Glyndon, MN.