Service Information
Lorallen “Smudge” Schmeling, age 76, of rural Cosmos, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Prairie Senior Cottages in Hutchinson.
A Private Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at a later date.
Obituary
Lorallen “Smudge” Erlyn Schmeling was born on February 27, 1950, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos, Minnesota. Smudge graduated from Cosmos High School and received his bachelor's degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
In 1972, Smudge was united in marriage to Bonnie Vorbeck. Smudge and his brother farmed their family’s Century Farm in the 1980s, and he retired from 3M in 2007, after a career of over 30 years.
Smudge was widely involved in the community. Throughout his entire adult life, he served others by being a frequent blood donor. Additionally, he sat on multiple nonprofit boards, and was an active Lions club member. He enjoyed gathering with locals in the area to play cards. You may have recognized Smudge as a local Santa as he enjoyed playing this role for many years for children in the community.
Smudge enjoyed his large vegetable garden and believed “why plant it if you can’t eat it”. He could never have too much sweet corn! Smudge was happiest when teaching his grandkids how to drive or affectionately giving them ‘smackies’. You could often find him attending his grandkid’s sporting or musical events and loved supporting them in their endeavors.
Lorallen “Smudge” Erlyn Schmeling passed away on April 24, 2026, at Prairie Senior Cottages in Hutchinson, at the age of 76 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Smudge is survived by his:
Wife, Bonnie Schmeling of Hutchinson, MN;
Daughters, Ann Adams and her husband, Chad of Le Sueur, MN, and their children Alivia Adams, Grant Adams, Will Adams
April Lee and her husband, Mike of Lester Prairie, MN, and their children Evan (Emily) Lee, Kara Lee, Anah Lee, Levi Lee
Leah Skille and her husband, John of Chaska, MN, and their children Joel Skille, Maren Skille
Ellen Schmeling of Cosmos, MN, and her children Hayden Schmidt, Isabel (Miguel) Collazo, and great-grandchildren Paisley and Hayse.
Brothers, Loren Schmeling, Lorlane Schmeling, Lorvern (Laura) Schmeling
Sisters, Lornette (Larry) Ledum, Lordell (Dick) Dorr, Lorchelle (Doug) Nelson
Siblings-in-law, Arvin Vorbeck, Stacy (Gary) Hammer;
Many other relatives and friends.
Smudge is preceded in death by his Parents, Ernest and Evelyn (Schroeder) Schmeling; Son, Timothy Schmeling; Brother, Lorgene Schmeling; Parents-in-law, Almer and Irene (Hagen) Vorbeck.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Prairie Senior Cottages for their sincere care, love and support.
In lieu of gifts or flowers to the family, a memorial can be provided to The Red Cross or Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson MN.
Eric Day says
I had the opportunity to get to know Lorallen through his participation as a long-time commissioner for Mid-Minnesota Development Commission. In that role, he did a terrific job advocating for Meeker County’s townships and the four-county region. He was always good natured, quick to smile, and in for a laugh. People felt at ease around him, and enjoyed hearing him gushing about his kids and grandkids. Smudge was a real gem of a guy and he will be missed! On behalf of MMDC’s commissioners and staff, please accept our condolences.
– Eric Day, MMDC Executive Director
Judy Sladek says
Remembering Smudge, from his. Days of playing Santa, at the Edge in Cedar Mills. One time we took our Grandkids, Mariah and Gavin to see Santa. Well, Mariah asked, Why does Papa Bob keep calling Santa, Smudge???
Smudge was always so friendly and had time to talk. Another Cedar Mills township board going to the big meeting in the Sky.
My sympathy to his family.
Donna (Ondracek) Engelen says
My condolences to the entire Schmeling family. Love and hugs.
Doug and Julie Fett says
Our sympathies and prayers to all the Schmeling family. May your memories bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Connie Duke says
Oh the stories we could tell! CHS days were filled with laughter and shenanigans! I remember one less raucous memory when we pranked his mom and told her we put all the eggs in the freezer so they’d last longer!
Ila Macik says
Sad to hear of his passing. Smudge was a really great person and I was glad to call him a good friend.
Tim Macik
Sandra Thomas says
Bonnie and Family so sorry to hear of Smudge passing away. Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family. Jim & Sandi Thomas
Kathy & Jim Stueber says
To Bonnie and family
We are so sorry for the loss of Smudge. Loved having you as neighbors. He will be missed by all.
Barbara Portele says
I worked with Smudge at 3M for many years. He was quite a character! My sympathy to the family.
Margaret Elstad “Peggy Menton Kallemeyn” says
I’m so SORRY to hear of the lost of Smudge. A lot of good memories at CHS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE ENTIRE SCHMELING FAMILY!
Dee Mora says
It was such a pleasure caring for Smudge at Prairie Cottages. I enjoyed talking about our little hometown of Cosmos. Every day I would tell him how many deer jumped out in front of me on my drive to work. He would always smile and give a little chuckle. He is greatly missed. My sympathies to the family.
Jim and Gladys Schlueter says
Our deepest sympathy to the Schmeling family.