Daniel Herman Schmidt

Daniel “Dan” H. Schmidt, 94, of Austin, MN, died at Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, MN, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 

Daniel Herman Schmidt was born on March 11, 1931, on the family farm near Racine, MN, to Herman and Amanda (Poeschel) Schmidt. After the family moved to another farm near the village of Washington in 1938, Dan finished his grade school education at the local country school and later graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1948. Two years later he enlisted in the Air Force and was sent to Korea during the Korean War. After his 4 years of military service, he began his 30-year career at Hormel Foods in Austin as a member of the Guard Force. In April of 1956 he married Jeanette Gartner from Preston, and to this union 3 sons were born; Ron, Rod, and Jon. They later divorced. Dan married Lela Madison on February 2, 1979, after they met through a mutual friend. They made their home in Austin and made many enjoyable trips to Montana where Lela was born.

Dan was an outdoorsman and enjoyed travels and hunting trips to the Rocky Mountain states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. He was an avid Colorado elk hunter for over 30 years. He made lifelong friendships with his hunting buddies from many states. 

Dan is survived by his wife, Lela; sons; Ron, Rod (Bev), Jon (Kimberly); stepsons; Larry (Anne) Madison, Alan (Camille) Madison, four grandchildren; Erin (David) Compton, Erik (Erin) Schmidt, Rachael Schmidt, Caleb Schmidt, two step-grandsons; Jim (Erin) and David (Joy) Madison, one great grandson; Peter Daniel Schmidt, and five step-great grandchildren; Adeline, Peter, Penny, Robin, and Eve Madison. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, brother Paul, and sisters Neva and Bernice.

A memorial service for Dan will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Preston, Minnesota. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.