Bernard Schmidt

Bernard Joseph "Benny" Schmidt, age 97, of Austin, died Sunday, July 29, 2012 at St. Mark's Lutheran Home. Benny was born September 2, 1914 in Waldorf, Minnesota to Joseph and Katherine (Fischer) Schmidt. The family moved to the rural Rose Creek area where Benny grew up. He marriedAlice Nelson in 1938and they later divorced. He later married Mary K. Skinner. Benny served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He participated in the battles at Iwo Jima, Bougainville, Guam and Guadalcanal. Benny was a Past Commander of the V.F.W. and also a member of the American Legion and St. Augustine Catholic Church. He was a retired employee of Hormel Foods. Benny lived in the Austin area until 1975, then moved to Nisswa, Minnesota before moving back to Austin in 2010. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting and bowling. Benny had a passion for the Minnesota Twins. Survivors include three children, Diane Egemo, Spring Lake Park, MN, Jeanne Thompson, Las Vegas, NV, Robert Schmidt, Reno, NV; four step children, Patricia Kitchings, Austin, MN, Kathleen Lawrence, Costa Mesa, CA, Michael Hull, Austin, MN, Bridget Olson, Owatonna, MN; eight granddaughters; 17 great grandchildren; six step grandchildren; 10 step great grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy, Theresa. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary K. Schmidt; former wife, Alice; eight brothers and sisters. A Memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Donald Zenk officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Thursday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and V.F.W. Post #1216.

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