Gary Stuart Schmid

Gary Stuart Schmid, age 71, of Rush City, Minnesota, passed away February 24, 2010 at the Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center in Wyoming, MN. He was born September 10, 1938, in Anaheim,, California to Vere Dale and Clara Cecelia (Stoffel) Schmid. Gary was happy in his life, and he shared it with all who knew him. He loved the outdoors; walking in the woods, hunting, trapping, fishing, kayaking in the creek that runs through their farm and working in the yard. He shared this love with his sons. He also enjoyed reading, doing sudoku puzzles, and being with his family and extended family. Before rheumatoid arthritis made it difficult, he liked working with wood in his shop. Through the telling and retelling of "Gary stories", he will be with us for a long time. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Education, receiving his Masters Degree in Education in Salt Lake City, Utah. While attending college, he worked for the Department of Natural Resources. After graduating from college, he taught science and health at Sunrise Park Junior High, Central and North High Schools in the White Bear Lake School District. He also coached wrestling at Sunrise Park Junior High. Gary was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, fishing buddy and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost fifty years and best friend Karen; sons Michael D. (Leesa) Schmid, Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada, and Andrew M. (Linda) Schmid, Bloomington, Minnesota. Also surviving are his brothers William (Maya) Schmid of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Peter (Susan) Schmid of Sedona, Arizona; grandchildren Jessica (Dale) Snell, and Amanda, Melanie and Wyatt Olson; great-grandchildren Payton Jon Marshall and Vander Snell; sisters in law Carol (Richard) Fetzer of Rush City, MN and Penny (Larry) Anderson of Walker, MN; nieces and nephews; and many friends. Always the teacher, at his request, his body has been donated to the University of Minnesota for research. A private memorial celebration will be held for the family. Memorials are requested to the Meals-On-Wheels program in Rush City, in care of Senior Dining, 720 West 14th Street, Rush City, Minnesota 55069.