Lester Schmidt

Lester was born on November 10, 1928, in Easton, Minnesota, the son of John and Theresa (Tennis) Schmidt. Lester was a graduate of the Shakopee High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor's of Science in Agronomy. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the VFW. Lester was united in marriage to Verna Hauth on September 26, 1959 in Big River, WI. He worked as a Soil Conservationist with the USDA in Brown County for 30 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, past president of the Lion's Club, a member of both 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and a member of Saint Mary's Serra Club. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, spending time reading, playing cards, watching the MN Gophers, Twins and Vikings, and especially spending time with his family and grandchildren's activities. Lester is survived by his wife Verna of Sleepy Eye, MN, his children: Tom (Julie) Schmidt of Cottage Grove, MN; Kathy (Larry) Kotten of Madison, SD; Steve (Patti) Schmidt of Prior Lake, MN; and Sue (Bill) Horne of Hastings, MN; 9 grandchildren: Danielle Rebekah Schmidt; Cassandra (Zack Gauer), Amanda, Alex Kotten; Kyle Matthew Schmidt; and Jessica Katie Horne; sisters: Ardelle Bensen, Mildred Schmidt, Alice Heid, Inez (John) Williams, Alma (Alan) Dahlin, Jean (Jack) Weber; brother-in-law Robert Hauth, sister-in-law LaVerne Schmidt and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John, sister Joyce Graham, brothers-in-law Don Bensen, Ron Heid, LeRoy Hauth, and sister-in-law Janet Hauth.