Gwen Schmidt

Gwen Schmidt, 80, formerly of Stephen, MN, passed away in her home on Thursday morning, June 15, 2017, in Eagle Street Assisted Living, Coon Rapids, MN.

Gwendolyne Faye Trane was born on January 23, 1937, to Bert and Gladys (Gaddy) Trane, in Karlstad, MN. She grew up in Karlstad, graduating from high school there, before attending Bemidji State University. On December 11, 1955, Gwen was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Schmidt. The young couple made their home in Stephen, where they would raise their son, Jonathan.

Gwen worked for many years as a Deputy Auditor for Marshall County, retiring in 1999, after more than 30 years of service. During those years she also briefly owned a drive-in restaurant in Stephen with Bob, as well as operated Schmidt Ceramics for 20 years. Bob passed away on May 15, 1999, and Gwen continued to make her home in Stephen and spend winters in Phoenix, AZ, before moving to the Twin Cities in 2013 to be closer to her son.

Gwen was blessed to be able to turn her hobby into a job, making ceramics and offering classes to the community. She enjoyed reading and cooking, and in her younger years loved to garden.

She is survived by her son, Jon (Doreen) Schmidt, and his children, Cole and Leah, of Coon Rapids, MN; and a brother, Leroy Trane of Scottsdale, AZ.

In addition to her husband, Gwen was also preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Gladys.

 

Funeral Service: Monday, June 19, 2017, at 10:30 AM, in First Lutheran Church, Stephen, MN.
Visitation: One hour prior to services at the church.
Interment: Stephen Cemetery.

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