Russell Schmidt

Russell Charles Schmidt, age 88, of Paynesville, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, at Cura of Melrose. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Nordland Lutheran Church near Paynesville, with burial to follow at Irving Mission Cemetery. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM at the church. Arrangements are with the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville.

Russell was born on October 8, 1936, in South Haven, MN, to William and Pearl (Rud) Schmidt. On April 10, 1955, he married Joan Flanders near Paynesville, and together they built a life and raised three children. Russell dedicated 25 years to farming and spent another 15 years working in excavation in the Paynesville area. A committed public servant, he served Irving Township for 34 years as both Clerk and Supervisor.

A man of many talents, Russell was known as a “MacGyver,” always tinkering, problem-solving, and finding creative ways to make things work. He was an active member of Nordland Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir, served on the church council, and lent a hand with maintenance projects. He loved fishing, scenic drives, and making homemade ice cream for Christmas Eve gatherings.

Russell is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Joan; his children, Debi (Oluf) Johnson of Paynesville, Charles “Chuck” Schmidt of Paynesville, and Richard (Kathy) Schmidt of New London; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Ramona Frank of Paynesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, David Schmidt and Stanley Schmidt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Nordland Lutheran Church.