Dennis Schmidt

Dennis Schmidt, 78 of rural Battle Lake, died Thursday, December 21, 2023, at his home.

Dennis was born on May 9, 1945, to Cornelius and Rita (Prazak) Schmidt in Alexandria, MN. He grew up in Millerville Township where he attended school in Millerville and later in Brandon. After school he took over his aunt and uncle’s farm where he milked 12 cows. Dennis also worked in Millerville at the Creamery and in Evansville at the Skelley Gas Station.

Dennis was married in 1969, and to this union he had five children. In 1970, he bought a farm and moved to Eagle Lake Township. He also worked for his dad on a construction crew building houses, barns, and various other things. In 1980, Dennis expanded his farming operation and built a dairy barn where he milked 50 head of cattle, raised crops, and sold seed corn. 

Dennis was active in the community, volunteering for over 38 years including the West Ottertail County Fair Board, Eagle Lake Township Board, Pro- Ag Board, Moe-Urness-Lund Insurance Board, Eagle 4-H Club, Millerville Sportsman's Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He especially loved plowing snow for Eagle Lake Township for 30 years and doing various other jobs on all the boards he was on. 

After selling the cows in 1997, Dennis bought a dump truck and hauled rocks and gravel. Dennis continued his love for making hay and selling it. He enjoyed working, ice fishing, driving around checking crops and looking at the countryside, and helping his neighbors. He always helped his kids however he could and loved them all.

A special thank you to Red River Valley Hospice, Connie Medenwaldt, and everyone who stopped by or called to visit with him.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his five children, Sue Seidel, Don (Jane) Schmidt, Dave (Amanda) Schmidt, Shelly (Nick) Thoennes, Stacy (Elliot) Richards, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandson. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Millerville.

Visitation will be at Seven Dolors Church on Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. There will be a Prayer Service at 5:00 PM, and the Knights of Columbus will lead the Rosary at 7:00 PM. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Burial at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery.

Arrangements by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville.