Donna Mae (Steele) Schmitt

Donna Schmitt, 85, of Bemidji, MN died Friday, December 10, 2021. She died in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 18, 2021 at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Bemidji. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2021 with a 7:00 p.m., prayer service at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Wilton.

Donna was born December 28, 1935 in Bemidji, MN to Jerome and Alice Steele. She grew up in Bemidji and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1954. She married Charles John Schmitt Jr. on April 27, 1956. They lived in Silver Bay till 1960 then moved to Bemidji where she lived the rest of her life. She raised 6 children, then started working out of the home in 1981. Donna’s career and passion was working as an EBD educational assistant for the Bemidji School District. As quoted from an EBD teacher, “Donna is performing as one of the top behavioral management aids in the district, her warmth, knowledge of people, and determination go far beyond the requirements of the job.” Being a faithful servant and taking care of her family were her highest priorities and center of her life. Throughout the years, she enjoyed her crafts and was very artistic and talented.

She is survived by 3 daughters; Barbara (Jeff) Schmerbeck, Bemidji, MN, Diana (Jason) Wessels Anchorage, AK and Lynda (Jerry) Vaughn, Bemidji, MN; 3 sons; Tim (Kathy) Schmitt, Mike (Fritzie) Schmitt, and Mark (Shelley) Schmitt, all of Bemidji, MN; 16 Grandchildren and 25 Great-Grandchildren; 5 brothers, Tom (Sally) Steele, Bemidji, Glenn Steele of Boise, ID, Curt (Ardy) Steele of Mapleton, ND, Stephen (Theresa) Steele of Bemidji and Stanley (Peggy) Steele of Michigamme, MI and sister, Kathy Stombaugh of Bemidji.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Schmitt Jr and brothers, Roger Steele and Bob Steele.

Memorials preferred to St. Philip’s Catholic Church.

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