Michael Schmidt

Jan. 23, 2023

MARSHALL — Michael (Mike) Melvan Schmidt was born Nov. 10, 1954 in Marshall and passed peacefully Jan. 23, 2023 at his home in Excelsior, MN with his wife Mona and their Dachshund, Schatzy by his side.

Mike was a wonderful human being, husband, friend, and mentor. Mike met Mona in 1983, and it was love at first sight. With their love for animals and the outdoors, they purchased land outside of Excelsior and built their home from the ground up in 1987. It was truly sweat equity as they lived in a trailer and did much of the work themselves. Mike was a talented craftsman and hands-on guy. Over the years, Mike and Mona expanded upon their property building a hobby farm with horses, chickens, ducks, cats, and a potbelly pig “Merna” (a wedding gift in September, 1992). They both grew up with Dachshunds, which continued to be an important part of their lives, most recently with Schatzy. She has been a great companion to Mike and Mona these past several years and has totally brightened their days.

Mona introduced Mike to her love of horses, which quickly grew on him. Mike found his perfect horse, My Pal Al. They enjoyed many wonderful RV and trail riding adventures over 20 years with many fun horse friends.

Mike and Mona enjoyed taking many rides in Mike’s 1968 Camaro. Mike was also a great cook so he enjoyed hosting dinners with friends and family throughout the years and was always the head chef on the holidays. Mike so enjoyed pulling pranks on his friends. He was great at many, many impressions, and a great whistler.

Mike graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall with a Mechanical Engineering degree and went on to a 35-year, successful career at Seagate where he often traveled overseas.

Mike was courageous and strong during his battle with brain cancer. He beat it 24 years ago, but had ongoing doctoring over the years. Mike loved life and fought hard these past three years. He underwent many rounds of chemo, radiation, and scans which came with many ups and downs. Mike spent most days in their four-season porch where he could enjoy views of their horses, garden, wildlife, sunsets, and cherished time with Mona and Schatzy. Mona has appreciated everyone’s prayers, thoughtfulness, cards, flowers, brownies, sweets, and visits during Mike’s battle.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Melvan and Alice Schmidt; brother Craig Schmidt; and sister-in-law Cindy Merritt. Cherishing Mike’s memory are his devoted wife Mona; brothers Steve (Sue) Schmidt of Mound, MN and Paul (David) Schmidt of Dallas, TX; brothers and sister-in-law Rick (Martha) Merritt of Clarksville, MO, Cheri (Waid) Reynolds of Green Valley, AZ, and Bill (Carol) Merritt of Mankato, MN; and many wonderful and caring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Winchester & Rye in Victoria, MN on Friday, Feb. 24. Service at 1-2 pm with reminiscing and refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Animal Humane Society.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. 952-442-2121 www.johnsonfh.com