In loving memory of

Arthur G Schmidt
September 9, 1921 - July 25, 2020

Arthur G. Schmidt, age 98, of Rochester, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Season's Hospice House in Rochester.

Arthur Grannis Schmidt was born September 9, 1921 in Lake City, Minnesota the son of Paul and Vesta (Grannis) Schmidt. He moved with his family to Rochester in 1926. He graduated from Rochester High School and attended junior college. He enlisted into the United States Army Air Corp on July 16, 1942 at Fort Snelling, MN. He was stationed in England as a dispatcher clerk and packed parachutes. He was honorably discharged on December 6, 1945 at Camp McCoy, WI.

Arthur was united in marriage to Wanda Squires on July 11, 1943 in Rochester. Arthur worked for Lincoln Mercury Garage and US Postal service as a mail carrier. In 1957 he began his 30 year career at IBM as a parts expeditor, retiring at the age of 62.

Arthur was a member of the American Legion William T. McCoy Post #92, Rochester Masonic Lodge #21, Fraternal Order of the Eagles #2634, and Elks Lodge #1091. He enjoyed singing and square dancing and was a member of the Barbershop, The M and C Squares and the ROC 9 square dance clubs. He was also a member of the Congregational Church and longtime choir member.

Arthur loved to fish and would always have a fishing pole available in his car to fish at any lake, river or pond. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting with his dad, Paul.

He is survived by his three children, Steven (Christy) Schmidt of Mazeppa, MN, Carolyn Smith of Rochester, MN, Charles (Candy) Schmidt of Pine Island, MN; six grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; a sister, Helen Collopy of Rochester, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wanda; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Chuck Podolske; brother-in-law, Lloyd Collopy.

Private family services will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, Rochester, MN with military honors. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery in Lake City, MN. Memorial are preferred to the Congregational Church 974 Skyline Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or donor's choice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Schmidt family; to share a special memory of condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Wanda Barber wrote on Aug 10, 2020:

"Art sat behind me at church on many Sundays. I always enjoyed that because he was a great singer and I loved to hear him sing! It brought me joy to hear such a lovely voice. Sending prayers to the family. "

Christine Kern wrote on Aug 10, 2020:

"Art was such a fun loving, caring man. We used to see him regularly when he would visit his friend Julie who lived here at High Pointe. He always had a smile and a fun comment or joke to share. Although he didn't live here, he was a welcome guest and played Wii bowling and Bingo with the best of them! A good man who left us with fond memories. Blessing to all of his family and friends. "

HELEN MUELLER wrote on Jul 29, 2020:

"To the family of Art Schmidt, A few years ago I lived at Gramercy Park where Art was a close neighbor, we were able to keep his extra keys and helped each other when possible, Art was a wonderful person who always cared for others, he seemed to enjoy showing his apt. when open houses were held, many hats and memorabilia were part of his home. At one time I knew his daughter as she came to visit him regularly. we moved to Madonna Towers, as my husband suffered from Parkinson's, He had moved to Waters and kept in touch on occasion, I later learned He had moved from there, My husband passed away in 2018, Easter Sunday, I wish to extend my sympathy to His family in their loss of a fine Father, grandfather and Uncle , May his soul rest in peace. My Love and Prayers, Sincerely, Helen Mueller"

Robert & Judy Adams wrote on Jul 28, 2020:

"I am sorry for your loss. Art was a great person--always pleasant to be around and he always had a good story. Art along with some other good IBMR's will be missed. It was such a great place to work with people like Art--- Art is in a better place with his wife-----I am sorry for your loss --and my prayers to the family and his friends. Rest in peace Art !!!!"

Allison DeRaad wrote on Jul 27, 2020:

"We are so sad to hear of Art's death. He was a fun guy to be around. I loved singing with Art, here, at Samaritan. He sang from his bed while I played piano outside his room on Tuesday afternoon of last week. We extend our sincerest sympathies.... Allison and the Life Enrichment Department at Sam Beth"

Susie Bruchs wrote on Jul 27, 2020:

"So sorry to hear of Uncle Art's passing! Hugs to the family! "