Eugene Schmidt

Eugene ElRoy "Gene" Schmidt, age 91, a resident of Fergus Falls, died on Oct 4, 2025, at PioneerCare Center in Fergus Falls, while under the care of HIA Hospice.

He was born May 3, 1934, in French, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the son of Henry E and Olga M (Nehring) Schmidt. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He grew up in Fergus Falls, graduating from high school there in 1952.

Following graduation he began his career as an electrician. He started out at Edling Electric in Fergus Falls as an apprentice and laborer, working his way up to journeyman. It later became Mollerud Electric until they closed. He then obtained his Master's electrical license and was employed by Land-O'Lakes, traveling throughout Minnesota as a master electrician at their plants, until retiring in 1996.

On September 26, 1953, he married Maxine Schmidt at Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls. The couple resided in Fergus Falls for their entire life, raising their four children. They just celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary!

He was a member of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he was one of the original charter members and an incorporator, and held numerous officer positions. He was a lifetime member of IBEW #1426. He and his wife Maxine, were instrumental in the formation of the Friends of the Kirkbride group, working to save and redevelop the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. As tour leaders, they were an integral part of the public tours of the RTC campus for 10 years.

Gene enjoyed bowling, chasing balls at church softball games, grilling, and watching Viking and Bison football games. He took great pride and pleasure in caring for his yard. It was a common sight to see him on his lawn mower in their large yard in Woodland Heights.

Preceding him in death were his parents, son Michael (Mike), a brother, Francis Schmidt, and a sister, LaVern Thompson.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine of Fergus Falls; three children: Margene (Mark) Newton of Rothsay, Brian Schmidt (Jamie Zwilling) of Underwood, and DeAnn (Chuck) Sitter of Robins, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, a brother, Paul (Diane) Schmidt, sister in law, Marcella Wildung, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program to help train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Hope Lutheran Church, in Fergus Falls, with visitation from 9:30-11:00 at the church.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com