Ralph Walter Schmidt

Ralph Schmidt, 91, of Bemidji, MN died Sunday, February 26, 2017 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center with family by his side.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bemidji with Pastor Mark Peske officiating.. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2017 with a 7:00 p.m., prayer service at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Northern Township, Bemidji in the spring. 

Ralph Walter Schmidt was born November 15, 1925 in Fergus Falls, MN to August and Bertha (Nehring) Schmidt. He attended school in Fergus Falls and Buck Lake School in Ten Lakes Township, MN. He worked in the woods with his dad until entering the U.S. Army serving in the Pacific and European Theatres. After returning from WWII, Ralph worked at the Chevrolet garage. On September 13, 1952 he married Phyllis Kopischke. He worked at Bemidji Auto Parts for 40 years. After flunking retirement, he started working at Target. He finally retired after 20 years at age 89. Ralph enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, camping with grandkids, birds and wildlife. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church serving in many capacities. Ralph cherished spending time with his family, especially hosting the annual 4th of July family get together for over 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Schmidt of Bemidji; daughters, Sandra (Vern) Holzhueter of Bemidji and Toni Whitney of Bemidji; grandchildren, Josie Harper, Jenny Haas, Lucas Holzhueter and Beth Hahn; great-grandchildren, Neo Harper, Emily Harper, Lilly Wattnem, Annabelle Haas, Madelyn Haas, Natalie Holzhueter and Henry Holzhueter; brother, Edwin (Shirley) Schmidt of Minnetonka; sister, Jeanette (Dan) Lund of Bemidji and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Bertha Schmidt; brother, Frederick Schmidt and sister, Marion Dorr.

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