Werner John Schmidt

Obituary

Werner John Schmidt was born on June 16, 1931, in Penn Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. He was the son of Reinhart and Marie (Bielke) Schmidt. Werner was baptized as an infant on July 5, 1931, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 25, 1945, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn. He received his education in New Auburn.

Werner entered active military service on February 6, 1952, and served his country during the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Ribbon with three Bronze Campaign Stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Werner was Honorably Discharged on January 20, 1954.

On August 5, 1956, Werner was united in marriage to Arleen Wilking at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Mankato, Minnesota. After their marriage the couple resided in New Auburn. In March of 1968, they moved to their farm in New Auburn Township, Sibley County, where he resided until his death. Werner was employed at Farm Hand Manufacturing in Green Isle for 21 years until it closed. He continued to farm until his death.

Werner was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Helen Township, and a former member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn where he served on the church council. Werner’s grandfather and other relatives were the founding fathers of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn. He was also a member of the New Auburn Fire Department from 1954-1968.

Werner enjoyed going to Threshing Days, historic ag/farming, horses, draft horses, his tractors and farm auctions. He especially loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Werner passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia at the age of 83 years, eight months, 21 days. Blessed be his memory.

Werner is survived by his: 
Wife, Arleen Schmidt of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Janell Christenson and her husband, Rev. Dr. David of Sioux Falls, SD,                     Keith Schmidt and his wife, Pauline of Glencoe, MN, and 
                 Melanie Schmidt and her significant other, Joseph Cox and son, Ethan of North, Mankato, MN;
Grandchildren, Bethany Christenson of Minneapolis, MN,
                            Kathryn Christenson of Mankato, MN,
                            Derrek Schmidt of Glencoe, MN, and
                            Amber Schmidt of Glencoe, MN;
Other Relatives and Friends.

Werner was preceded in death by his Parents, Reinhart and Marie Schmidt; Sister, Bernice Wendlandt; Nieces, Patricia Eddy and Barbara Brouwer; Several Aunts and Uncles.