Garner Schmidt

Garner Schmidt, age 90, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Monday, January 16, 2017 at his residence in Wheaton.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Pastor Ken Bowman officiating. Organist will be LeAnn Bjornson.

Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton. Pallbearers will be Garner's grandchildren: Billy Kremer, Danny Kremer, Matt Anderson, Sam Anderson, Laura Anderson, Tommy Sandback, Robbie Sandback and Elizabeth Schmidt.

Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Garner William Schmidt was born on June 19, 1926 in Graceville, Minnesota to William Henry and Elsie (Sager) Schmidt. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Dumont, Minnesota. He attended country school in Parnell Township and furthered his education at Morris Ag School. Garner moved with his parents to Croke Township where the family farm still exists today. He entered the US Army for a short time before his honorable medical discharge. Garner returned home to the family farm after his service. He was united in marriage to Marsala Moe on December 29, 1956. The couple resided on the farm where they raised their family. Garner also owned and operated the International Harvester Implement in Wheaton. He never retired. His final harvest was fall 2016. He had a great time helping his son harvest a bumper crop. In 2013 Garner moved to Wheaton from the farm because (in his words), "His son pushed down and burned his home!"

Garner was a board member of the Wheaton-Dumont Coop Elevator. Every year he was very honored to escort the Gold Star Mothers to the Dumont Memorial Day services. He enjoyed golfing on men's night at the Wheaton County Club and spending time with his dog, Jake. Garner was a tenderhearted and loving grandfather. He was always fixing and tinkering in a well-organized shop. Garner was an avid viewer of the RFD channel and political TV news. He was quite satisfied with most recent election results.

Garner is survived by four children: Gayle (Bill) Kremer of Marshall, Minnesota; Gwen (Tim) Anderson of Savage, Minnesota; Karen (Jeff) Sandback of Prior Lake, Minnesota and Bill (Kayla) Schmidt of Croke Township; one sister Arleen (Jim) Dodge of Farmington, Minnesota; eight grandchildren: Billy, Danny, Matt, Sam, Laura, Tommy, Robbie, Elizabeth and one due February 2017.

Garner was preceded in death by his parents William and Elsie, wife Marsala, and sister Crystal.