Edward Schmidt

Edward Schmidt

1942 - 2025

On November 24, 2025, Pokegama Lake lost one of its most loyal companions. Edward "Ed" E. Schmidt, 83, passed away at home, surrounded by family who knew him as the keeper of stories, the teller of jokes, and the man who always had a project waiting in the shop or at the cabin.

Ed was born on April 13, 1942, in Grand Rapids, and from his earliest days he belonged to Northern Minnesota. He was a lake kid who grew into a man who loved the woods, the water, the seasons, and the quiet wisdom they offered. Fishing poles, deer stands, and the familiar paths of the North Woods shaped him long before degrees and careers ever did.

After graduating from Grand Rapids Senior High School, Ed earned degrees from Itasca Community College and Bemidji State University, eventually completing a Master of Science in Education. He poured his heart into teaching, first with the basics, and then the bigger lessons that don't fit neatly into a curriculum. His students remember his patience, his humor, and the way he believed in what they could become.

Outside of school, Ed's curiosity and creativity led him to new endeavors co-founding the Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association, writing and photographing for Whitetales Magazine, and building Grand View Studio. Through his lens, he captured weddings, community moments, and the wild beauty of the Grand Rapids area and beyond. He told stories with images the way he told them in person, with warmth, detail, and an unmistakable spark.

For 61 years, Ed shared life with his wife, Rosalie "Rose" (Rydberg) Schmidt. Their home was a place where laughter mixed with the breeze off the lake, where visitors left with a joke, a handshake, and often a story from Ed.

Ed loved deer camp, helping others, tinkering with new ideas, and solving problems the "Ed way," which often meant inventing something no one else would have thought of. He was grounded in his faith and a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ewald and Alma; his siblings, Melvin "Mel" Schmidt and Carol Wardall; and his infant daughter, Susan Mae.

He leaves behind his wife, Rose; his children, Elizabeth (Todd) Matzke of Hastings, MN; Sara (Christopher) Schmidt Boldon of St. Paul, MN; and Paul (Laura) Schmidt of Red Wing, MN; as well as his five grandchildren: Nolan, Caleb, Nathan, Emma, and Aleia, who each carry a bit of his joy and curiosity.

Ed's family extends their deepest gratitude to his care team, including Dr. Nikcevich and Essentia Health Hospice Care.

A visitation to honor Ed's life will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Rev. Paul Svingen will officiate.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.