"I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Joe. I have lots of memories of visits to the farm and when you would visit us. I always remember how cheerful he was. He made the best blood sausage and I still see him standing there stirring it with his strong arms. I also remember the red eye. I wasn't old enough to taste it openly but I did sneak a taste or two, or three, maybe more...I can't say for sure because it packed a punch! It was actually quite delicious mixed in punch. I could go on for hours and hours and hope we can get together for a chance to reminisce about the old days. He will be truly missed but I know we will all be together again some day. Hugs and prayers to you all. Love, Kathy (Vogel) Jenkins"
In loving memory of
Joseph Schmidt
November 21, 1929 - September 20, 2020
Joseph J. Joe Schmidt, 90-year-old resident of Little Falls, passed away Sunday, September 20, at the Little Falls Care Center. Due to Covid concerns, a private Mass of Christian Burial, for immediate family only, will be held at St. Marys Catholic Church on Monday, September 28. Private burial services will be at the Mandan Union Cemetery, Mandan, ND on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. A visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 27 at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls.
Joseph was born on November 21, 1929 in Odense (Morton County) ND to John and Margaret (Schaff) Schmidt. Joe attended a one room school in the Odense area, received his 8th grade diploma and attended diesel mechanic school for one year. In 1949 he met the love of his life, a beautiful girl named Emily Fleck from Breien, ND, at a barn dance. It was love at first sight for him. They were married on June 4, 1951 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Solen, ND. Joe and Emily moved to the family farm near Odense, homesteaded by his grandparents, Jacob and Monica (Roll) Schaff in 1901. They lived on the farm for 51 years, moving to Bismarck, ND in 2005. Joseph was a member of the St. Johns, Sacred Heart and St Peter Paul Vereins, Mandan Moose Lodge and the Bismarck Eagles. He was also a Morton County 4-H Leader and a member of the Solen School Board for many years. Joe had a strong faith in Jesus and he and Emily were Eucharistic Ministers at St Anthony Catholic Church for several years. In 2005, they became members of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck, ND. Joseph loved to read and watch Gunsmoke and Walker Texas Ranger. He also loved to dance. Joeand Emily attended many Polka Festivals all over thecountry. After moving to Bismarck, they traveled to Hawaii, and many states in the USA, and also Europe, visiting Rome and to Germany to visit family.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 69 years, Emily; 3 daughters, Doreen (Ron) Schmidt of Foley, Theresa (Dave) Schaff of Enumclaw, WA, Lisa (Randy) Pulkrabek of Bonney Lake, WA; 2 sons, Larry (Aletha) Schmidt of Bowlus, Pat (Vicki) Schmidt of Winona; 12 grandchildren, Steve (Jen) Schmidt, MN, Mick (Tricia) Schmidt, MN, Bill (Kristen) Schmidt, MN, Tracy (Mary) Schaff, WA, Dan (Angela) Schmidt, MN, Rhonda (Nate) Hagel, MN, Tim (Mandy) Schaff, WA, Jessica (Andy) Noren, MN, Rob Schmidt, MN, Jeremy (Jessica) Schmidt, MN, Stefani Schmidt, MN and Shayli Pulkrabek, WA; 17great-grandchildren and a new great-grandson arriving in March, 2021; brothers-in-law, Lawrence (JoAnn) Fleck, Jack Fleck, Ray (Joyce) Fleck, David (Sandy) Fleck; sisters-in-law, Gardene Haff, Caroline (Matt) Magilke, Mary Bendish, Pauline (Roger) Hatzenbuehler and Edna Fleck.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Aletta Marie Schmidt; sisters, Celestine (Frank) Grossman, Rose (Val) Hoffman, Barbara (George) Hoffman, Margaret (Matt) Gerhardt, Mary (Anton) Schantz, Josephine (John) Vogel; brothers, Jacob (Cecilia), Nick (Tillie), Anton (Judy) and infant brother, Jacob; mother and father-in-law, Pauline and Jacob Fleck, brothers-in-law, Daniel, Wilbert and Florian Fleck, Peter Haff, Richard Bendish and sister-in-law, Beatrice (Bill) Berger.
In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to The American Heart Association or The American Diabetes Association.
The funeral arrangements are with the Emblom Brenny Funeral Service of Little Falls, MN.
320-632-4393
Tributes
"Dearest Emily and family, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I'm sorry we didn't get to see each other more often. Joe was a very special and honorable man. God bless you all. Donna Blackcloud"
"Deepest sympathies Emily and family from your Canadian cousins who so enjoyed meeting you folks on a trip to the Dakotas a few years back.We were impressed by Joseph's gentle nature and quick sense of humor and have always been sorry we couldn't have had more visits together.May he rest in peace.Val & Trudy Fleck Hugh & Elaine FleckAlberta, Canada"
"Emily and family, So sorry for your loss of your husband ,dad ,grandpa,and great grandpa.I remember Joe with his sweet smile and gentleness. May you fine peace in all the beautiful memories you have of him and to keep his spirit alive in your hearts forever. Sending hugs,thoughts, and love at this difficult time .Bernie Schlinger Warhurst"
"Dear Grandpa,I came to the USA in August 1988 as a foreign exchange student at Dave and Theresa. By them I met you. As wel as the family, you took me up as one of the family wright away. You accepted me for who I was. I also remember us talking about Germany where your parents originialy came from. This must have been around Chritmas time we spend at your farm. I remember this evening very well as we had a great time that evening. Later you wondered why I fitted in the family so well. I believe you where part of this, for beiing so nice and kindfull taking me up in your family. I will always rember you as a very nice, kindfull and loving person."Thank you for being my "American Grandpa"Take care, Dirk Kingma"
"Joe, You were my God father, I had planned to come visit you in March and then Covid happened and I had to cancel cause I didnt want to put you at risk and now I will never see you. You are in a better place, say hi to my dad, may you rest in peace and you will be greatly missed, but always remembered."
"My Heart hurts just knowing what life will be like with out him, he was a very special person. Loved visiting with him and Emily. I will miss that smile and his storytelling. I will pray for family he left behind, for he will truly be missed. RIP Joe, see you on the other side"