Service Information
Jeffrey “Jeff” Schmidt, husband of April, age 53, of Gaylord passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024, at his home in Gaylord.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, February 24, 2024, 11:00 A.M. at American Lutheran Church in Gaylord with interment in the Winthrop Cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Friday, February 23, 2024, from 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at American Lutheran Church in Gaylord and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Obituary
Jeffrey Jay Schmidt was born on August 23, 1970, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Eugene and Shirley (Voight) Schmidt. Jeff was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota. He received his education in Arlington and was a graduate of the Arlington-Green Isle High School Class of 1989.
On April 20, 1996, Jeff was united in marriage to April Johnson at First Lutheran Church in Winthrop and shared 27 years of marriage together. After their marriage, the couple resided in Gaylord and were blessed with three sons, Travis, Paul and Jake. Jeff was employed at Michael Foods in Gaylord as a Transportation Scheduler.
Jeff was a member of American Lutheran Church in Gaylord, holding positions on the church council for several years. He was committed to his lifelong passion of baseball through high school, many memorable years playing with the Green Isle Irish, coaching numerous youth baseball teams, and his current dedication to the Gaylord Islanders Baseball Board and team.
Jeff was clever and full of knowledge gained through all his life experiences; mechanic, contractor, fisherman, hunter, and coach. Above all else an extraordinary father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was soft spoken, genuinely kind and his calmness gave everyone hope and peace of mind. A true heart of gold.
When his time was near he carried himself with dignity, strength, and an immense love for those who have gone before him and those who long to join him again in eternal life.
Jeff passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at his home in Gaylord at the age of 53 years. All the lives Jeff has impacted in this world grieve his transition into the next but are happy he is home free. His spirit will be carried on by his three sons and his memory is truly a blessing.
Jeff is survived by his:
Wife, April Schmidt of Gaylord, MN;
Sons, Travis Schmidt and his wife, Sami of Owatonna, MN,
Paul Schmidt of Gaylord, MN, and
Jake Schmidt of Gaylord, MN;
Mother, Shirley Edblom and her husband, Rodger of Arlington, MN;
Brothers, Scott Schmidt and his wife, Ella, and Rick Schmidt and his wife, Kari of Arlington, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Tammy Giere and her husband, Curt of Monument, CO, and Jessie Schaefer and her husband, Jason of Mankato, MN;
Mother-in-law, Christy Johnson of Winthrop, MN;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jeff was preceded in death by his Father, Eugene Schmidt; Father-in-law, Arden Johnson.
Amie Christie says
Jeff was one of the nicest people I got the pleasure to work with. I will keep all of his friends & family in my thoughts & prayers.
Keith Doetkott says
Rest in Peace Jeff enjoyed playing ball and talking with you you where a great man and father you fought cancer to extra innings Prayers to all loved ones and family Keith Doetkott
Julie Kloeckl says
April and family – I am so very sorry. My condolences to all of you.
Jessica Rieke says
April and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Jeff. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time.
Tasha Podratz says
Dearest April & family
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jeff was/is a wonderful man.
Hugs, prayers & thoughts go out to you.
Tasha, Todd, Jaden & Tristin
Denise Tourtellott says
Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Sandy Wentzloff says
Our deepest sympathy to April and family.
Linda Gerholz says
We are so sorry for your loss.
We will keep your family in our prayers.
God Bless
Jason and Amy Pautsch says
Jason and I and our family are so sad to hear this news. Jeff was a great guy. April and family, you have our deepest sympathy, and you are in our prayers. Jason and we’re able to have a wonderful chat with Jeff awhile back. He was so very proud of his family and was really enjoying his time with you all. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Dick Milinkovich says
My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff’s family. Enjoyed him as a student and a man. Was always so friendly. May God rest his soul, blessed be his memory.
Mr. M
Debra and Larry Podratz says
We are so very sorry for your loss. We are sending sympathy.. prayers and hugs to your family. God bless you all through this difficult time
Corky Milbrand says
April and family
So sorry for your loss. What a great coach to all of those baseball boys. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Corky
Pauline Marlinski says
What an unimaginable loss. Sending prayers to your family.
Pauline Marlinski
MyrnaKuphal says
Dear April and family, I am saddened to read of Jeff’s passing. May you find comfort in the memories you have of wonderful times spent together. May God surround you with His love and peace through family and friends. With sincere
sympathy and love, Myrna Kuphal
Rhonda Novak (Robeck) says
I’m so saddened by Jeff’s passing. Though I hadn’t seen or spoken with him in several years as I live out of state, I’ve known Jeff my whole life and can say without a doubt that he was one of the best humans ever. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family as heaven gains yet another angel.
Ann Graupmann says
Schmidt family, It was a pleasure getting to know Jeff through bible study in Gaylord. What man of deep faith and great courage. April and sons, you will carry on in his memory and strength from the Lord. You are lifted in prayer with much love.
Marie Schneider says
Dear April, it’s been many years since I have seen either of you but not forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. May many happy memories help you during this time of healing.
Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal
Love leaves a memory that no one can steal
With deepest sympathy
Marie Schneider
Lisa Tichenor says
April and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May Jeff rest in eternal peace.
David Stai says
I only had the opportunity and blessing of working with Jeff for a year and a half, but he left his mark. Jeff was so kind and carried God’s peace with him wherever he went. Praying for your family through this hard time.
Lois and Lowell Grams says
So very very sorry for your loss of Jeff!!! Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers!!!!
Marlys Schauer says
so sorry to hear this. prayers