Paul Schmidt

Private services for Paul R. Schmidt of Albert Lea were held on Saturday, March 21 at St. Theodore Catholic Church. Father Kurt Farrell officiated. Burial was held at St. Theodore’s Cemetery.

Paul was born on September 8, 1932 in Faribault County to Richard and Victoria (Pilaczynski) Schmidt. As a young man he sailed out of Duluth, MN and worked as a merchant seaman. He returned to Southern Minnesota and met Beverly Engel. They were married on February 2, 1957 and made their home in Albert Lea, MN. Paul worked at Rilco/Weyerhauser and then for Holsum/Ventura Foods for more than 32 years before retiring. He was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church, where he served as an usher. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus. Paul enjoyed woodworking, building things, fishing, and music. He spent many hours playing his harmonica.

Paul died on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea. He was 87.

Paul is survived by his wife of 63 years, Beverly; son, Jay Schmidt and his wife Tamarae of Fairmont, MN; granddaughters, Acacia and Mireya Schmidt; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Victoria Schmidt; brother, Phillip Schmidt; sisters, Agnes Billat, Mary Sonnek, and Betty Thimmesch; infant son, James Paul; father-in-law, George Engel and mother-in-law Adelheid Engel.