David E. Schmidt passed away at Mayo Clinic Health Systems – Albert Lea, on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015. He was 79 years old.

David Emil William Schmidt was born on May 16, 1936, to Louis and Ida (Ohm) Schmidt, in Austin, Minnesota. He was raised in Waltham and graduated from Austin High School in 1954. On Dec. 9, 1955, he was united in marriage to “his sweetie,” Deloris Heydt in Sargeant, Minnesota. Dave started working with the state highway department as a surveyor, working to expand Interstate 35 and Interstate 90 around the Albert Lea area. He also worked other odd jobs to make ends meet. He worked at Wilsons Foods for over 20 years as a pipe fitter. He and his wife were caretakers at a condominium in Brooklyn Center for 10 years, and his latest job was working for Home Depot in Albert Lea, from where he retired.

Dave was a member of the Moose Lodge, where he was a part of the ritual team. He was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, so faithful that he would attend every Thursday and Sunday service. He always had to be there a half-hour early so he could greet everyone that came to church.

In his early years, he was one of the initial members of the “Lea-ites” motorcycle club. He also was a part of the CB Club, where his handle was the “Brown Bomber.” Dave did everything with his wife, Dee. They would travel, play cards, and socialize with friends. Dave took pride in everything he did, big or small. Recently, he was very proud and honored to lead the table prayer every day at Thornecrest.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his “sweetie” of 60 years, Deloris; a daughter, Dawn Tolbers; and brothers: Harold and Arnold.

Those left to carry on his legacy include his children: Dennis (Pam) Schmidt, Dan (Pam Roberts) Schimdt, and Darla (Jim) Godtland; grandchildren: Rachel (Casey Dempewolf) Schmidt, Andrea (Elvis) Mitchell, Jessica (Peter) Conway, Serena (Brian) Gardner, Tony (Jen) Tolbers, Becky Tolbers, Tara (Jesse) Stirling, Tatum (Edgar Burns) Roberts, Toni (Alex Draayer) Roberts, Taylor (Wes Thostenson) Roberts, Tanelle Roberts, Stacy (John) Judd, Brianna (Heather Cameron) Godtland, Krystal (Nick Malis) Godtland, Stephanie Godtland; honorary granddaughter, Missy Bremer; great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Ethan, Addison, Isaiah, Noah, Markus, Mallory, Caden, Carsen, Teaghen, Anthony, Xavier, Aela, Noah, Jessica (Ryan), Sara, Matt, Andrew, Jaxon, Jakib, Brandyn, Ian, Elli, Preslie; and great-great-grandchildren: Logan and Landon; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Craig) Hanson; brother-in-law, Richard (Jane) Heydt.

The family would like to thank his Thornecrest family for the exceptional care that was given to Dave.

A memorial service for David will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at Zion Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Robert Stohlmann will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at the Bonnerup Funeral Chapel, Albert Lea, and will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday. Inurnment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery.