Obituary: Russell Schmidt

Russell Schmidt died May 25, 2024, at VitaCare Living in Proctor. Russell was born June 24, 1939, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Nathan (Kerryn); stepchildren, Julie Toland (Randy) and Mark Tusler (Melanie); brother-in-law, Richard Nordean (Lois); sister-in-law, Elaine Schmidt; brother Bill; grandchildren, Jordan Toland, Jerad Toland, Taylor Schmidt, Zoe Schmidt, Alissa Kiefer, Jack Kiefer, Maddy Tusler, Marissa Tusler and Bennett Tusler; great-grandchildren, Lennix Toland, Aziley Toland, Rylen Toland, Casan Toland and Charley Schmidt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Teresa and Philip; daughter, Jodi Kiefer; brothers Walter, Ralph, Lloyd, Philip Jr., Donald and Leonard; and sisters, Eleanor and Agnes.

Russell graduated from Redwood Falls High School and from Mankato College with a degree in business. His first job was for Green Giant in Le Sueur; next he worked for Pillsbury and then General Mills until he retired. He then took the position of general manager at Buddy’s Kitchen until retiring again. Upon moving to Cloquet, he worked part-time for Lakeland Foods in Roseville. When in Cloquet, he helped Zion Lutheran Church with meatball dinners, mowing lawn and serving on the church council. The thing he enjoyed the most was the coffee group at the senior center and playing bingo on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service Saturday, June 22 at Zion Lutheran Church, 1000 Washington Ave. in Cloquet. A luncheon at the church will follow.