Ione M. Schmidt

Ione M. Schmidt, age 97, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Sanford Wheaton Hospital in Wheaton, Minnesota.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, with Rev. Dan Gifford Officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Interment will be held following the service in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. 

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on May 26, 1928, Henry and Dora (Schmidt) Tobeck welcomed their first-born child, Ione May, into their family. After a short time in Milwaukee, they moved back to the Wheaton area where they had family ties and continued to reside there. Ione was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Parnell Township and remained strong in her faith.

Ione attended country school in her early education and continued her studies, graduating from Wheaton High School. After graduation she worked at the local grocery store until she married the love of her life, Milton Schmidt, and shared 70 years together on their farm in Monson Township. During that time, they raised four children, Sherilyn, Lee, Lynae and Lonnie on the family farm, sharing with them the worth of hard work and family values. Family was of utmost importance to Ione. She showed so much compassion and love to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a great “listening ear” and shared her gentle advice and gave moral support. There was so much excitement when going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and when you left, Grandma would always be at the dining room window waving, and all would wave back. That was Grandma.

Ione and Milton worked side by side with their children building up their farm. In addition to the dairy, beef, hogs, sheep and horses, for many years they had laying hens, numbering 400 plus, and sold eggs. Eggs were washed, dried and packed into large boxes. This was no small task but done willingly. The eggs were then picked up by what their children called the “egg man” in the big white “egg truck”.

Church and church family were precious to Ione. She served her church, St. John Lutheran, as a Sunday school teacher / superintendent for many decades, enjoying sharing her faith and love for the children she witnessed to. Each new little person brought a smile to her face. She was involved with LWML, was a member of church circles and served on the serving committee for many years, cherishing her fellow church friends.

Ione was involved in many varying activities in her community. She was an adult and project leader for many years in the Monson Wide Awake 4-H Club, enjoying helping the youth learn how to work with their projects and gain new skills. She loved to cook and sew and passed this passion onto the young 4-H members as well as her own children. She was a member of the Farmers Union (Mustinka Local) and served as president of the group for a time and also served as an election judge for Monson Township. She was also active in the Sew & So Homemakers Club and volunteered her time at the Traverse Care Center playing cards with the residents.

Ione enjoyed gardening, canning and freezing the fruits of her labor. The canning shelves were always lined with rows of canned veggies, fruits, jams, pickles and meat. Handiwork she took pleasure in included sewing, beads, and of course embroidery – especially on dish towels. She always had a set of dishtowels embroidered “ahead” for the next bridal shower or birthday.

Even in her later years, she was always game for new things – especially trying new recipes from farm magazines or a new cookbook. She would report back if it was a “keep” or “throw” recipe! At age 88 she started using an iPad – keeping busy with games and catching up on Facebook, keeping her mind sharp.

Ione is survived by her children: Lee Schmidt and Lynae (Gene) Berger; grandchildren: Michael (Erin) Martinek; Paul Martinek; Robbie (Jaylene) Schmidt; Tara (James) Stotesbery; Tony (Gina) Berger; Levi (Christina) Berger; 17 great grandchildren; sister Sandra Sager; sister-in-law Mavis Petersen and many nieces and nephews.

Ione is preceded in death by her parents Henry and Dora Tobeck; husband Milton Schmidt; daughter Sherilyn Martinek; son Lonnie Schmidt; sister Eunice Schmitz; brothers: VerDean, Vergil, and Gary Tobeck; daughter-in-law Janette Schmidt; and granddaughter Tera Berger.

Ione will be sadly missed by those whose lives she touched.