Service Information
Keith W. Schmidt, age 63, of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away Monday, March 10, 2025, at his home.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, 11:00 A.M, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop, with interment in the High Island Cemetery in New Auburn.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 14, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 P.M., at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop, and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
Obituary
Keith Werner Schmidt was born on September 4, 1961, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of Werner and Arleen (Wilking) Schmidt. Keith was baptized as an infant at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Auburn, Minnesota. He was confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Helen Township, Minnesota. Keith grew up on a farm just outside New Auburn. He received his education in Glencoe and graduated from Glencoe High School with the class of 1980. Keith continued his education at Hutch Vo Tech in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
On November 24, 1990, Keith was united in marriage to Pauline Kranz at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop, Minnesota. Keith and Pauline made their home on a farm they purchased in 1992 between Glencoe and New Auburn. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Derrek and Amber. Keith and Pauline shared over 34 years of marriage.
Keith was employed as a Machinist at Seneca Foods in Glencoe. He was just shy of working there for 40 years. Keith was a volunteer Firefighter for the New Auburn Fire Department and was shy of 20 years serving with them. Keith farmed his parent’s land and raised livestock over the years. It has been 5 years now that he and his son, Derrek, farmed the land together, and as a family, Pauline and Amber included, raised, and cared for all the animals; their farm was named “Lakeview Livestock.”
Keith has been a big supporter of 4-H and has touched the lives of countless 4-H kids throughout the years. He played a large part in the 4-H Horse Project known there as “The Gate Man”, and the 4-H Sheep Project, was a 4-H Quiz Bowl coach, and loved to help at the County Fairs and State Fair.
Keith was a kind, supportive, and giving man. He helped others wherever and whenever he was needed. Keith loved to spend time with friends and acquaintances alike every week in New Auburn calling Bingo. He was well known for his “Bingo Voice.” Keith will be remembered and greatly missed by many.
Keith passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at his home in Glencoe, at the age of 63 years. Blessed be his memory.
Keith is survived by his
Wife, Pauline Schmidt of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Derrek Schmidt and Amber Schmidt of Glencoe, MN;
Siblings, Janell Christenson and her husband, Rev. Dave, of Le Sueur, MN, Melanie Schmidt and her significant other, Joe Cox, of North Mankato, MN;
Mother-In-Law, Sharen Kranz of Green Isle, MN;
Brothers-In-Law and Sisters-In-Law, David Kranz and his wife, Holly, of Gaylord, MN, Miriam Schwenn and her husband, Rick, of Milbank, SD, Chelsea Parrott and her husband, Bryan, of Gaylord, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives, and Many friends.
Keith was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Werner and Arleen Schmidt; Father-in-law, Byron Kranz.
Lynelle says
Pauline and family, my condolences for your loss. God’s blessings to you and family for peace and faith at this time.
Your cousin,
Lynelle
Randal Tupa says
Pauline and family, May God hold Keith in the palm of His hand. So sorry for your loss of Keith. Many fun times over the years and great memories to treasure. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sincerely, Randy and Linda Tupa in Wisconsin
melissa Weinacht says
Sorry for your loss
Keith was a super fun guy who always was smiling when picking up Mel at college and taking back to Glencoe.
Always smiling and happy to see everyone. Always had a story to tell us
Teresa Starry-Bussler says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Curt and Teresa Bussler
Megan Lambrecht says
Pauline and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the news, our hearts go out to you. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Turn to God during this difficult time, as we hope he brings you comfort and peace. We are here for you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
-Your Hope Residence family
Ida Hernandez says
My condolences to the Schmidt Family. I had the opportunity to work with Keith during the 2021-2022 seasonal pack at Seneca. Rest in Paradise Keith!!!
Rhonda Walsh says
Dear Pauline and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Keith to your family. Even though the separation is temporary(thanks be to Christ’s
power over death) the pain felt from his absence is heartbreaking. I am praying for peace and comfort in your memories of Keith and your faith in Christ.
Kymberly Markgraf says
I got to know Keith through working with the fire dept. I have ran many calls with him over my 15 years of service in the community. He had such a caring manor about him & willing to help whenever he could. To the family & his fire family, you have my sympathies during this difficult time.
Deb and Larry Podratz says
We extend our sympathy.. prayers.. and special thoughts through this very difficult time. May God guide you and give you comfort and peace in the loss of Keith. He was a very special man and will truly be missed by many. Love to your whole family. Deb and Larry Podratz
Deb and Larry Podratz says
We extend our sympathy.. prayers.. and special thoughts through this very difficult time. May God guide you and give you comfort and peace in the loss of Keith. He was a very special man and will truly be missed by many. Love to your whole family. Deb and Larry Podratz
Sandy Mathews says
Our deepest sympathy to you;Pauline,Derek and Amber. Keith was a kind,caring and thoughtful man we enjoyed many fun outings throughout the years we are going to miss him so very much may you all comfort in knowing he is with our Lords hands. God Bless you! Gene and Sandy
Sarah Koskela says
So very sorry for your loss. May Jesus carry you through this difficult time and hold you tight in your sorrow. May Keith’s memories make you smile and God’s light shine on you all.
Kyle Enochson says
Pauline and family
I was sorry to hear about Kieth’s passing. I enjoyed working with him and his spirit and humor back in our Green Giants days. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
RaNae Drexler says
Pauline, Derrek, Amber and family — My thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace for you during this sad time.