August Schmidt

August G. "Auggie" Schmidt, age 97, of Freeport, died Friday, October 7, 2011 at the St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church in Freeport. Goldenaires Senior Citizens will pray at 4 p.m. followed parish prayers at 5 p.m., St. Martin Lions Club and the Albany Knights of Columbus, Council 3628 will pray at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening.

August Gerhard Schmidt was born May 7, 1914 in Millwood Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Clements and Anna (Ruetter) Schmidt. On May 7, 1946 he married Marie Brake at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Ward Springs. The couple farmed near Melrose for six years. During that time, Auggie was employed at the Creamery in Freeport. In 1952, the couple moved to Freeport and Auggie began working for the State of Minnesota doing highway maintenance. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and going to the casino.

August was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, St. Martin Lions Club, Albany Knights of Columbus, Council 3628, and the St. Cloud Eagles Club.

Survivors include his children, David (Julie Slaughter) Schmidt of Olivia, Raymond "Ray" (Diane Tschida) of Avon, Judy Schmidt of Melrose, Jerome Schmidt of Melrose, Mary Schmidt of Melrose, Conrad Schmidt of St. Cloud, Debra Schmidt of Melrose, and Sandy (David) Thielen of Hawick; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Regina Stiel of Eagle Grove, IA and Rosie Betow of Sauk Centre.

Auggie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie Schmidt; daughter, Dorothy Studer; brothers, Joe, John, Tony, Herman, Alphonse, and Hubert Schmidt; sisters, Cecilia Perish, Annie Spieker, and Marie Toenyan.

Serving as casket bearers will be Scott Studer, Joel Studer, Aaron Thielen, Zach Cusick, Sylvester Schmidt, and John Schmidt. Serving as cross bearer will be Sister Helen Brake, O.S.F., and scripture bearer will be Agnes Bearson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.