Jean Schmidt

G. Jean Schmidt, age 82 of Arlington passed away Monday, January 2, 2023 at Grand Meadows Senior Living in Glencoe. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 6th at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Green Isle with visitation preceding the Mass from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at St. Brendan's. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Arlington.

Gloria Jean Schmidt was born on February 17, 1940, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, the daughter of Paul and Florence (DeMars) Sodman. On May 3, 1958, she married Lawrence (Duke) Earl Schmidt. Jean grew up and attended school in Anoka, Minnesota.

In the early years the family enjoyed camping and fishing together. Jean and Duke also enjoyed the camaraderie that the local happy hour provided. Jean stayed home and raised the children until they graduated from school, and she then entered the working world spending time at Wendt laboratories. Later Duke and Jean ran their own business, Dukes Disposal. At 4' 11" tall, it was an amazing feat that she could drive that large equipment with straight sticks! Jean spent her last working days at Jerry's Foods making great deli food.

Jean enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. Her pantry of canned goods would rival Big Stone Canning’s warehouse. She loved to sew and crochet. She was an excellent cook, baker and homemaker and especially liked spending time with family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jean just like her mother, was an avid Minnesota Twins fan. Whenever there was a game on TV she would watch it, and if not, the radio was tuned in.

Jean and Duke were lifelong residents of Arlington before moving to Grand Meadows Senior Living in Glencoe just recently. Jean and Duke are members of St Mary's Church, Arlington.

Jean is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Duke, sons; Bruce (Gail) Schmidt, Brian (Carla) Schmidt, daughter; Brenda (Tim) Reinert, grandchildren, Kassy (Barrett) Kranz, Mandi (Tom) Schroers, Kyle Schmidt, Jesse (fiancée Brittany) Schmidt, Amanda (Josh) Scheel, Abigail (Judah) Masica, Emily Reinert, great grandchildren; Nevaeh, Heston, Sutton, Dawson, Calvin, Madison, Reed, Lainey, Emery, Jordyn, Madilyn, Luxen, William, brother; Bob (Deb) Sodman, sister; Sharon (Joe) Jorgensen.

Greeting Jean in eternal peace are her parents; Paul and Florence Sodman, children; two infants John and Brandon, brother; Paul Sodman, Jr.