Phyllis Schmidt

Phyllis Eugenia Schmidt, age 95, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away on December 30, 2020 at her home away from home on the beautiful and peaceful shores of West Battle Lake surrounded by family. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 12, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by her memorial service at 2:00 pm at Evergreen United Methodist Church, Wahpeton.  A livestream of her service will be available on her obituary page.  Burial will be at Fairview Memorial Gardens, Wahpeton.  Arrangements are entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home.

Phyllis was born September 11, 1925 in Breckenridge, MN, to Roy and Edith Larson. She attended school in Breckenridge until 1944 when she moved with her family to Williston, ND, where she graduated high school. After, she attended and graduated from Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Grand Forks, ND.

On June 1, 1947, Phyllis was united in marriage to Dorval Schmidt of Wahpeton, ND. They were married for 66 years when Dorval passed on July 4, 2013. During their many years together, they enjoyed traveling to St. George, UT; golfing, spending time at the lake, and being a part of many church functions.

Phyllis dedicated her life to caring for others and had a lasting impact on many individuals. She began her work as a nurse during the Polio pandemic at St. Johns in Fargo, ND. She then went on to do general duty and hospice at St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge. Wanting to teach others, she took a position as an instructor in the nursing department at the North Dakota State College of Science teaching from 1960- 1980. After her teaching career, she and Dorval retired and found a calling to the Dominican Republic for two years serving under the Peace Corps. Phyllis was a life long devoted member of the United Methodist Church serving many roles in various areas, even as the parish nurse. Phyllis was passionate about her love of God, family and her many friends. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and amazing view of life.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Greg (Joey) Schmidt of Rapid City, SD; Jacque Bailley of MN and AZ; Jeff (Rae) Schmidt of Lewiston, ID; Bob (Terrie) Schmidt of Fergus Falls, MN; Tim (Ann) Schmidt of Wahpeton, ND; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; her brother, Jerry of WI; and 2 sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann and Leona.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Dorval; her parents, Roy and Edith; her stepmother, Nina Larson; son-in-law, Richard Bailley; and her three sisters, Irene, Beverly, and Elaine.