Darold Schmitt

DAROLD "JERRY" SCHMITT

Darold "Jerry" Schmitt age 76 of Cottage Grove, died at home Monday morning, July 15, 2013.

Funeral will be 1:00 pm Friday, July 19, 2013, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 8100 Belden Blvd, Cottage Grove, with visitation starting at 11:00 am at church. Interment will be in the Newport Cemetery. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Jerry was born on June 15, 1937 in Loyalton, South Dakota to Edward and Christina (Hohnecker) Schmitt. He graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1956 and soon started his career with the Aberdeen Barber Supply. An opportunity came up in Dickinson, ND to launch the Palm Beach Supper Club which he operated for a few years. In June of 1959, Jerry was married to Arlyce Eberle. In 1967, he took a job with Martinizing Dry Cleaners, where he started as a presser and then store manager. Jerry was married to Julia Wyckoff in 1970 and they moved to Cottage Grove, MN one year later. During the next several years, he enjoyed success with the company and worked his way up to vice president of stores in a 5 state area. On September 28, 1985, Jerry was married to Patricia "Pat" Bibeau at All Saint's Lutheran Church. They enjoyed going dancing and also had many years of travelling together. Highlights of their travels included visits to each of the 50 states, several cruises and also visiting family in Europe. He and Pat also spent the winter months over the past 14 years in Mesa, AZ, where they made great friends and enjoyed hiking.

Jerry was known as a sports fanatic, watching as many of the Twins and Vikings games as he could. Jerry enjoyed working with wood and creating unique pieces that he enjoyed sharing with others. Despite his Parkinson's, God was able to work through Jerry on this earth and in his artistry. He was proud of his German Heritage but valued time spent with his family most of all. Faith was also significant in his life.

Jerry is survived by his wife Pat; children Cristy (Bill) Murray; Terri (Thomas) Albrecht-Schmitt, Tonya (Joe Mischke) Schmitt, Barb Bibeau (Richelle Wesley), Dennis (Diana) Bibeau, John (Joyce) Bibeau, Debbie (Troy) Billings; sister, Ramona (Frank) Meduna; nieces & nephews, Teresa (Dave) Buechler, Monty (Judy) Meduna, Brad (Darleen) Meduna, Steve (Megan) Meduna; and 14 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Christine; son Jay Schmitt and grandson, Nick Bibeau.