Elda Schmidt

Elda Schmidt, age 96, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Fairway View Neighborhoods.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville with a prayer service to follow. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Reverend Zachary Voss will officiate, and interment will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Elda Ella Rosina (Hamann) Schmidt was born on March 24, 1928, on the family farm south of Big Stone City, SD, to W. C. and Meta (Kohler) Hamann. She was baptized on April 8, 1928, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Big Stone City. Elda was confirmed into her faith at St. John’s on July 6, 1941. She was raised on the family farm and attended country school before attending Ortonville High School.

On April 18, 1954, Elda was united in marriage with Martin F. Schmidt at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. She joined Martin on the Schmidt Family Farm where she made her home for the next 57 years. Together, Elda and Martin raised four daughters on their cherished farm. In 2011, Elda sold the farm and moved into her apartment in Ortonville. In June of 2024, she moved to Legacy Assisted Living in Clinton, MN.

Working at Electric Maid Bakery in Ortonville for 20 years, Elda demonstrated her talents as a baker and cake decorator. Baking wasn’t just something she did, it was a part of her everyday life. There was always fresh baked cookies or bars to be had in her home. Her beautifully decorated cakes were well known to Elda’s family and friends.

A devoted mother and nurturer, Elda was most remembered for her years as a day care provider. She opened her home to more than 60 children in a career that spanned over 30 years. Elda and Martin served as foster parents for 10 years. They were awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Minnesota Social Services Association for foster childcare in 1976.

Church and faith were important to Elda. She was a proud member of Trinity Lutheran Church Altar Guild in Ortonville for over 70 years. Elda joined the church with her mother before she was married. She also served the church as a Sunday School teacher.

Elda had a wide variety of interests that kept her busy: sewing, quilting, and crocheting. She crocheted approximately 1,700 caps that were generously donated to the Orphan Grain Train, the Salvation Army, and many other organizations. While living in the country, Elda cultivated a large garden filled with vibrant flowers and Hosta plants that brightened the landscape. She was always ready for a game of cards with friends or to sit and put a jigsaw puzzle together.

Left to cherish Elda’s memory are her daughters: Nancy Cordell of Manchester, NH; Linda (John) Dornon of Jerusalem, OH; Lisa Schmidt of Aberdeen, SD; and Lynn Wettstone of Richmond, VA; seven grandchildren: Samira Cordell, Anthony Cordell, Jamison Cordell, Ethan Dornon, Erin Wettstone, Brian Wettstone, and Melissa Gerads; four great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Darcy, Paul, Timothy, and Jarrod; sister-in-law, Bonnie Hamann; many beloved cousins; special friends: Betty Reinke, Phyllis Lieb, and Charlotte Athey; along with all of her altar guild members and daycare kids.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Martin, in 2004; her parents; brothers: Arthur (Marlys) Hamann, Marvin Hamann, and Lorance “Harry” Hamann; nephew, Blaine Hamann; and niece, Nancy Jane Hamann.