Elizabeth Schmidt

The journey of Elizabeth Sawatzky began on August 25, 1941, in Osterwick, Russia. She was the second daughter of Elisabeth Forer and John Sawatzky. During her first seven years, her life was filled with strife and challenges, turmoil and terror as she and her family fled from Russia during World War II. They arrived in the United States on April 4, 1949. From the point of entry at Ellis Island, knowing no English, to her arrival in Mountain Lake, she embraced and excelled in life in America. She graduated from Mountain Lake High School in 1960 and on August 20, 1961, she was united in marriage to Gordon Peter Eitzen in the Bethel Mennonite Church. They enjoyed ten years of marriage until he died suddenly on October 22, 1971. They had three children, Lorelei Lynn, Marc Anthony, and Lisa Ann. For next eleven years with the help of her loving family and friends she raised her children alone until she was united in marriage to Dallas Ralph Schmidt on December 8, 1979. Along with Dallas, she lovingly welcomed his children Bradley Ryan, Shannon Kay, Jason Robb and Heidi Lachelle. She was adored by eight grandchildren; Samuel Graham and Olivia Lee Koester, Alec Michael and Dmitry Nicholas Bierker, Alex and Emily Schmidt, Jake and Dylan Harbaugh. Other people's caring, believing and praying did guide her, us, even though they were unaware of it. The glory of God was shining through others. When in doubt the strengths of others sustained. Never once did she ask why me?' Instead she took the opportunity to rely on the strength of God, leave her life in the hands of God and trust in his word to guide her through the many valleys in her life. In spite many sorrows, tests and suffering, she remained strong in her faith in God. Her journey in this world ended on January 24, 2007, surrounded by her family. Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Dallas Schmidt of Broklyn Park; father, John Sawatzky of Mountain Lake; 7 children, Lorelei (John) Koester of Liberty Lake, WA, Marc Eitzen of ElPaso TX, Lisa (Michael) Bierker of Champlin, MN, Bradley Schmidt of Fairibault, MN, Shannon (Brian Storlein) Schmidt, Jason (Jenae) Schmidt, and Heidi (Chris) Harbaugh of Big Lake, MN; 8 grandchildren; 3 sisters, Elsie (Robert) Stomberg of Cambridge, MN, Lorena Miereau of Philadelphia, PA and Mary (Timothy) Frederickson ofMichigan City, IN; 2 brothers, Gerhardt (Jeannie) Sawatzky of Billings, MT and David (Jeannie) Sawatzky of Healy, AK; many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother; her first husband, Gordon P. Eitzen; and a sister, Margaret Harder.