Brad Schmidt

Herman Bradley "Brad" Schmidt, age 93, of Saint James, died on August 20, 2024, at his home. He passed peacefully while surrounded by his wife of 72 years and all of his 5 children.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Funeral Mass will be held at Saint James Catholic Church in Saint James on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Saint James. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Brad was born on May 5, 1931, in Saint James to Herman and Margaret (Leonard) Schmidt. He was baptized and confirmed at the Saint James Catholic Church.

Brad graduated from Saint James High School in 1949. He joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1949. He was activated by the Army for active duty and served during the Korean Conflict in Camp Rucker, Alabama from January 1951 through May 1952.

In 1952, Brad married Cleo Ganske of Sleepy Eye. They raised 5 children, Joe, Jeannie, Julie, Rob and Mark.

Brad and Cleo were and still are lifelong members of the Saint James Catholic Church, where he received an award for 50 years of service to the Knights of Columbus.

He was a dedicated member of the Saint James Fire Department for 38 years. He received a special award for his service as captain of the hook and ladder truck.

Brad was a member of the St. James American Legion club all his adult life. He held different positions and offices during this tenure there.

Along with his brother Paul, he was a co-owner in the family business, Schmidt’s Bakery. The Bakery was started by his father and uncle in 1923. He retired in 1990 from baking yet continued to do the bookkeeping and the management of a few downtown buildings and apartments.

Brad road bike and motorcycle for several Multiple Sclerosis fundraisers. He was a top fundraiser one year. He was even featured on the advertising poster one year.

In his free time, Brad enjoyed hunting and fishing trips and Corvette rallies in Spearfish, South Dakota. He also enjoyed bringing his Harley Davidson to Florida for some time each winter for several years.

Brad is survived by his wife of 72 years, Cleo; his five children, Joe of Saint James, Jeannie of Winona, Minnesota, Julie (Rob) Schmillen of Mankato, Minnesota, Robbie (Julie) of Saint James and Mark (Melissa) of Sartell, Minnesota; grandchildren, Aaron (Laura), Azure, Andrea (Matt), Erica (Dave), Katie, Drew (Emily), Ben (Carrie), Ashley (Max), Carolin (Angel), Andrew (Autumn), Taylor (Carter), Haylee and Spencer; great grandchildren, Brenden, Elizabeth, Landon, Caleb, Julia, Amelia, Simon, Miles, Skyler, Mia, Magnolia, Osvaldo, Diego, Julio and Victoria; and great-great grandchildren, Damian, Zayne and Maleah.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Margaret Schmidt; brother, Paul Schmidt; and sister, Margaret Ann Goeser.