F. Donald Schmidt

F. Donald "Cold Shot" Schmidt, 78, of Moorhead, MN, died Monday, September 14, 2015, in his home surrounded by his family, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Don Schmidt was born June 21, 1937, the son of Floribert and Irene (Stoffel) in Paynesville, MN. He was raised there and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1956. In 1959, Donald was united in marriage to Judy Haagenson and they spent 56 great years together.

They moved to Moorhead where they made their home and raised their four children. Over the years, Donald worked for Fairmont Foods and later Stein Chemical until his retirement.

Donald enjoyed many things including playing cards, softball, bowling, golfing, hunting, coaching Babe Ruth baseball, being outdoors and spending time at the lake cabin in the summer. He especially loved being out in the boat fishing with the kids, grandkids, and more recently with his great-grandkids, who called him Big Papa. He also was an avid Twins and Vikings fan.

Don and Judy enjoyed many good times with their friends over the years, including weekly gatherings with the "Burger Bunch". Every fall they would take an annual hunting trip to South Dakota with Don's family and friends. Big Papa was very proud of his large family and loved spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even when he wasn't feeling the best, he would encourage the "chaos" to visit. Hearing the squeals of the kids and all the laughter truly was the best medicine for him.

Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy; children, Shannon (Greg Jonsen) Schmidt, Tami (Virgil) Peterson, Randy (Lisa) Schmidt and Susie (Lee) Mueller; grandchildren, Jordan and Isaac Schmidt-Jonsen, LaRae (Aaron) Lehto, Danielle (Marc) Andvik, Jason Peterson, Landon and Hayden Schmidt, Morgan (Anthony) Yonak, Madison, Mickinley, Mercadez and Domingo Mueller; great-grandchildren, Nik, Mikael and Brock Lehto, Kelsey and Luke Andvik, and one more great grandchild coming in April to the Yonaks; and brother, Robert (Evie) Schmidt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Jane.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their care and support over the last couple of months.

A Visitation for Donald will be Wednesday from 5 PM until 7:15 PM, with a 7:15 PM Prayer Service in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, September 17, 2015, at 11 AM, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead.

Burial will take place in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.