James Schmidt

James "Jim" Schmidt, age 93 of New Ulm, MN , passed away on Thursday January 1, 2026 at Ridgeway on German Assisted Living in New Ulm.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home- SOUTH Chapel.

A private family service will be held.

Jim is survived by his wife Darlene of 64 years. Daughters - Kathy Hubert of New Ulm, MN, Shari (Gerry) Schroeder of Litchfield, MN, Karen (Steve) Appel of New Ulm, MN, Jody (Jay) Haun of New Ulm, MN. Son – Kevin Schmidt of New Ulm, MN; 12 Grandchildren – Danielle Hubert, Nicole Hubert, Tara Fausch, Shawn Schroeder, Daniel (Sam) Schroeder, Melanie Schroeder, Riley (Sicily) Appel, Emily (Avery) Appel, Jesse Schmidt, Brady Schmidt (and special friend Carson Reed) and step grandchildren Sam & Andy Haun; 13 Great grandchildren – Addison and Dirk Haynes, Knox Fausch, Cassidy (Cayden) Schmandt, Amara, Merrick & Atticus, Ayden Schroeder, Gavin, Jude & Theo Schroeder, Sawyer Nelson Schroeder, step great grandchildren Megan & Evan Haun; Sister and brother-in-law – Rosie & Eddie Johnson of Baxter, MN, Brother and Sister-in-law Jerome & Phyllis Schmidt of New Hope, MN and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry & Lucy Schmidt, his in laws Frank & Sophie Wenninger, Brother Daniel Schmidt, Sister and Brother-in-law Mary Ann & Melvin Wenninger and 3 infant sisters.

He grew up on the farm between Searles & Hanska.

Jim served in the Army from 1953-1955.

He married Darlene Wenninger at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Church in New Ulm, MN on June 28th, 1961.

Jim worked at Tony Downs in Madelia, MN and retired after 27 years from Kraft Foods in New Ulm, MN.

Jim was a member of St. Mary's Church in New Ulm, Catholic United Financial, and The American Legion Post 133, Jim and Dar were also members of The Optimist Club, where they helped with the ring toss booth and the cheese curd stand for many years. Anyone that knew Jim, knew he liked to stay busy, and one of the things he liked to do was collect aluminum cans to take down to the Brown County Humane Society. He did this for many years, until it just became too much for him. As their family grew, Jim enjoyed spending time camping & fishing with his children, and then with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also liked spending time with all their friends and relatives. He enjoyed reading, setting puzzles, playing solitaire and old time music. You could always find them at Heritagefest enjoying the Concord Singers, German Bands and the local old time bands with all their wonderful friends. Jim and Dar also really enjoyed traveling around with The Leon Olsen Show and the Larry Olsen Band until they could no longer do the trips.

A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful staff at Ridgeway on German, Allina Hospice and Father Gerry Maidl for the care that he received the last few months of his life. You are all angels in our eyes, and the care you gave him was very much appreciated from his very "large" loving family.

Blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

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