John Gordon Schmitt

John Gordon Schmitt, ZOONGIGAABOW age 51 of McGregor passed away December 23, 2025 in East Lake. He was born August 6, 1974 in Saint Paul the son of Gordon and Diane Schmitt. He graduated from Roseville High School and earned his A.A. degree from Fon du Lac Tribal & Community College. He went through Leadership Training and was awarded "most accomplished". He worked 16 years at Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy where he loved to work with the youth as lead para-professional. He enjoyed NASCAR and interacting on his Xbox. To many he was known as Grand Pa – Mishomis and PaPa John. He is survived by brothers, step-daughter, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, foster child, and many other special relatives and friends.

Tribal Rites will be at 10am – Saturday, December 27, 2025 at East Lake Community Center in East Lake – McGregor. Vincent Merrill will be the service leader. Visitation will begin at Dusk on Friday, December 26, 2025 at the Community Center in East Lake – McGregor. Burial will be in the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge Burial Grounds – East Lake. Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin. www.srtfuneral.com