Bernard Michael “Bernie” Schmidt, age 73 of Hammond, died on April 20th, 2011 at United Hospital in St. Paul Minnesota. Bernie was born on June 23rd, 1937 to Leo B. and Elsie M. (Huppert) Schmidt in El Paso Township. He was raised on the family farmstead where he attended school in Big River. As a young man, he was drafted into the armed forces and proudly served in the United States Army. On May 15, 1965, he was united in marriage to Audrey Jean McNeal at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings. This union would be blessed with three children; Jeanne, Beth, and Mark. He loved farming, driving tractor, or working the fields. When he wasn’t tending to his own crops; he loved a country ride checking corn growth, alfalfa fields, or simply the beauty of a farm field. Besides farming, he worked over the years for JB Metal Coat, River Falls Cenex Feed Mill, and most recently Friday Canning in New Richmond. He looked forward to reading the local paper; front to back! He also enjoyed a game of cribbage or euchre, hunting and fishing, and a trip to the casino. His favorite however was watching his grandchildren and spending time with family; especially at the lake.  He will be missed at Best Maid Cookies as he was a regular and connoisseur of their treats.

Bernie will always remain in the hearts of his children Beth (Lynn) Pabst of Hammond, Mark (Emily) Schmidt of Hammond, son-in-law Kevin Krenz of Hudson, grandchildren Travis, Ashley, Kayla, Morgan, Blake, siblings Willy Schmidt of River Falls, Kathleen (Robert) Geraets of Elmwood, Mary (Michael ) Hines of Ellsworth, Dorothy (Dave) Shoemaker of Ellsworth, Tilly (Dennis) Riemenschneider of River Falls, Paul Schmidt of River Falls, brother-in-law, James (Pam) McNeal of Beldenville, WI, best buddy, Rudy, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Leo B. and Elsie M. (Huppert) Schmidt, wife Audrey, daughter Jeanne Krenz, grandson Chance, and siblings Joe Schmidt, Butch Schmidt, and Huntz Schmidt.

Funeral service for Bernie Schmidt will be 11AM Saturday April 23rd at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Music will be provided by Kristin Hoffman and Abbey Wellens.  Burial with full military honors by the Hammond American Legion Post will be in the Hammond Cemetery. Urn Bearers will be, James McNeal, Dave Shoemaker, Dennis Riemenschneider, Michael Hines and Robert Geraets.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday morning. Memorials preferred. Funeral services are provided by the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.