Joan Schmidt

Joan R. Schmidt, 92, of Inver Grove Heights and formerly of Austin, died at her home after a brief illness on Tuesday, March 11, 2014. Joan was born in Osage, IA on January 6, 1922 to William and Kathryn (Ryan) Beland. In 1940, she graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Staceyville High School in Iowa. She then attended and graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester. Joan married Joseph Schmidt June 17, 1944. She worked in various hospitals around the country when Joseph was in the Navy. After the war, they moved to Austin to start their family. Joan worked with Joseph at a glass shop that they owned for more than 30 years. In her later years, she worked at Sacred Heart Hospice and retired in 1988 as the Director of Nursing. Joan treasured her family and especially loved taking care of her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing the piano, taking lessons well into her 80s, as well as traveling and playing bridge. She was very outgoing and social and had many friends over the years. She volunteered at the Philomathian Religious Bookstore and provided hospice care. After her retirement, she prepared meals for the Priests at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Joan is survived by her children; Kathleen (Jerry) Carney of Nevis, MN, Barbara (Leonard) Garcia of Inver Grove Heights, Joseph Schmidt of Golden Valley, MN, Christine Bushaw of Rochester, James (Rita) Schmidt of Maricopa, AZ, Mary Frederick of North Branch, MN; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Phyllis Schmidt of Inver Grove Heights, along with many nieces and nephews. Joan is preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph, siblings, Irene, Lucille, William, Frances, Margaret, Robert, Ralph, and a daughter-in-law, Deborah Norgaard. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am, Saturday April 5, 2014 at Queen of Angel’s Catholic Church. Visitation will start one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials in Joan’s name may be made to Sacred Heart Hospice or the charity of your choosing. Online Condolences-www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery
4th Drive SW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Saturday, April 5 2014
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Queen of Angels Catholic Church
1001 Oakland Avenue East
Austin MN 55912

Service

Saturday, April 5 2014
11:00 AM

Queen of Angels Catholic Church
1001 Oakland Avenue East
Austin MN 55912