Darrel Schmidt, 92

Darrel Schmidt of South Haven died Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. Cloud Hospital. He was 92.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, at Kimball United Methodist Church with Pastor Lori Artner officiating. Burial will follow at Fair Haven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, both at the church.

Darrel Franklin Schmidt was born Nov. 11, 1932, on the family farm near Fair Haven, one of seven sons born to Theodore and Ada (Meyer) Schmidt. A 1950 graduate of Kimball High School, Darrel married Elizabeth J. DeChaney in 1952. Together they raised four children before her passing in 1983. In 1985, he married Luverne Kubinski, who also preceded him in death, in 1994. In 2003, Darrel found love again with Jane Westrup.

Darrel grew up farming and spent his adult life working in road construction as a contractor. He started his own business, DF Schmidt Construction, later changing the name to Schmidt Curb Co. Inc. when his son Tom partnered in the business with him. He raised his children on two hobby farms, where at one time he kept more than 20 horses, and always had at least one cow to milk. Later in life, he enjoyed living by the lake where he spent countless hours panfishing and hosting fish fries.

Known for his strong work ethic, Darrel passed on that value to his children and grandchildren. He had an incredible memory for names and faces, and was often considered the go-to expert on the Schmidt family tree. A man who worked hard and played hard, he embraced the snowbird lifestyle for many years, spending winters in Arizona and Texas.

Darrel loved fishing, playing cards, going for drives, and catching up with family and friends – often in short, cheerful visits. His warmth, energy, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Darrel was preceded in death by his wives Elizabeth and Luverne, son Roland, and brothers Chester, Howard, Delmer and Kenneth.

He is survived by his special and loving companion Jane Westrup who has been an important part of his life since 2003; son Thomas (and longtime partner Maggie Bania) of Annandale; daughters Natalie (and Charles) Johnson of Kimball, and Julianne Shirley of Bastrop, Texas; daughter-in-law Jeanne Schmidt of Annandale; 18 grandchildren: April, Tony, Kelly, Abby, Nick, Emily, Janelle, Jennifer, Brian, Adam, Levi, Bethany, Tina, Tracy, Tammy, Tara, Nathan, and Evan; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; stepdaughters Julie (and Tom) Revering, and Jill Dixon; stepson Kerry Kubinski; bonus children Keith (and Betty) Westrup, Kim (and Wendy) Westrup, Kari (and Leonard) Siltanen, Kathy (and Flavian) Kramer, Kurtis (and Rita) Westrup, and Kevin (and Ria) Westrup; 11 bonus grandchildren and 3 bonus great-grandchildren; brothers Ronnie (and Marlys) Schmidt, and Roger (and Peggy) Schmidt; and nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association.