Robert J. Schmidt

Robert J. Schmidt Robert James Schmidt, 68, of Park Rapids, MN died December 13 in Arlington, VA with his daughters, Randi and Terri, by his side. A memorial service for Bob, also known as the Big Party at the Lake, will be held in July 2015 in Park Rapids, Minnesota. For more information or to share a memory or uplifting word with his family, please email bobsmemorial2015@gmail.com. Bob was born to Mary B. and Dr. Clarence P. Schmidt October 12, 1946 in Worthington, MN, and graduated from Worthington High School, Worthington Junior College, and Winona State College. Bob married Gail Morris and together they had two daughters. After managing Woolworth Drugstores in the Milwaukee, WI area for several years, he returned to Worthington where he worked for Oxford Labs, Upjohn, and Intervet. In 2010 he retired from Intervet and moved to his dream home in Park Rapids, where he lived on Bad Axe Lake and served for a year as president of the Bad Axe Lake Association. He spent his retirement years visiting with his daughters' families, outside doing yard work and inside winning radio contests. Survivors include his two daughters, Randi Schmidt (and significant other Mo Dirie) of Arlington, VA; and Terri Schmidt (Carl Banner) of Minneapolis, MN, as well as grandchildren Isaac Banner and Theo Banner also of Minneapolis. Several of those named above strongly believe they were his favorite and all of them are probably correct. He is also survived by two brothers: John Schmidt of Cedar Rapids, IA and Conrad Schmidt of Worthington. The gentle man who loved life and taught his children to appreciate the little things left too soon but is now resting peacefully. He will be missed as a father, friend and grandfather. At this difficult time, please remember to "keep your chin up," that "smiles are free" and to always shop with a coupon, grab a rebate or buy it on sale, because that's what Bob would want. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Headwaters Animal Shelter located at: 901 Western Ave. S, Park Rapids, MN 56470.