1927
Marvin
2006
Marvin Schmeichel
November 18, 1927 — October 28, 2006
Marvin Albert Schmeichel was born on November 18, 1927, on the family farm to parents, Max and Minnie (Struck) Schmeichel. He was the youngest of four children and had a twin sister, Marcia. Marcia and Marvin were known as "Sonny and Sis." As a young boy, Marvin attended school in Odessa, and graduated from Odessa High School. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa, where he had been a member his entire life.
Following the completion of his education, Marvin began farming. On a blind date arranged by his friend, Pete Christensen, Marvin met Joanne Ione Weeding. The couple was married on October 23, 1948, at the Emmanuel Swedish Lutheran Church near Odessa. Together, Marvin and Joanne, made their home on a farm near Odessa, and were blessed with four children, Steven(1950), Wendy(1952), Jim(1955), and Becky(1958). Marvin had a great love for his family and was always there to provide and protect them. This thoughtful care went beyond his immediate family as he readily gave of himself to his extended family as well.
Marvin's passion in life was farming. He enjoyed field work, raising livestock, and harvesting crops. Marvin worked tirelessly and wasn't one to give up in the face of obstacles. He believed in the need to finish the job, whether it was plowing a field corner to corner or milking a cow until she was dry. Marvin also enjoyed fixing things and could repair almost anything even though it might be in the most creative and unique way. When not busy working the land or making repairs on machinery, Marvin enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed his quiet time spent working with wood. Marvin cherished memories made during time spent with his wife of 58 years, his four children and all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as his many friends. No one was ever a stranger for Marvin, his kindness and sense of humor were endearing. Those that met him would immediately count him as a friend, someone they could talk to and confide in. Marvin enjoyed life and found joy in helping others around him enjoy it as well. He and Joanne had a marvelous way of making people feel welcomed, comfortable, and loved in their home with the help of his special companion and trusted dog, Tracer.
Marvin had a deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Even during the last few months, as he graciously endured the cancer that ultimately claimed his life, one of his favorite things to do was to sing hymns with his family. Though his memory for names diminished, the words of the old hymns always come out easily for him as they ministered comfort and peace to his soul as he sang along. He often would encourage his neighbors and people he would meet to come to church. He loved singing in the choir, and now he is a member of the greatest choir, the heavenly choir, singing praises to his matchless Savior and King.
Marvin's earthly walk ended when he passed away Saturday, October 28, 2006, at the Northridge Residence Nursing Home in Ortonville, MN, reaching the age of 78 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Minnie; one brother, Rudy; a sister, Edna (Busse-Holzheimer); and a grandson, Scott Schmeichel. Marvin leaves for his family and friends a rich legacy of love, faith, diligence, and selfless care for others.
Marvin is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Steven (Barbara) Schmeichel of Wayzata, MN; Wendy (Duane) Jergenson of Cyrus, MN; Jim (Ranet) Schmeichel of Odessa, MN; and Becky (David) Schlagel of Tigard, OR; twenty grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; a sister, Lillian Gierke of Freemont, NE; his twin sister, Marcia Kaercher of Anchorage, AK; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Following the completion of his education, Marvin began farming. On a blind date arranged by his friend, Pete Christensen, Marvin met Joanne Ione Weeding. The couple was married on October 23, 1948, at the Emmanuel Swedish Lutheran Church near Odessa. Together, Marvin and Joanne, made their home on a farm near Odessa, and were blessed with four children, Steven(1950), Wendy(1952), Jim(1955), and Becky(1958). Marvin had a great love for his family and was always there to provide and protect them. This thoughtful care went beyond his immediate family as he readily gave of himself to his extended family as well.
Marvin's passion in life was farming. He enjoyed field work, raising livestock, and harvesting crops. Marvin worked tirelessly and wasn't one to give up in the face of obstacles. He believed in the need to finish the job, whether it was plowing a field corner to corner or milking a cow until she was dry. Marvin also enjoyed fixing things and could repair almost anything even though it might be in the most creative and unique way. When not busy working the land or making repairs on machinery, Marvin enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed his quiet time spent working with wood. Marvin cherished memories made during time spent with his wife of 58 years, his four children and all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as his many friends. No one was ever a stranger for Marvin, his kindness and sense of humor were endearing. Those that met him would immediately count him as a friend, someone they could talk to and confide in. Marvin enjoyed life and found joy in helping others around him enjoy it as well. He and Joanne had a marvelous way of making people feel welcomed, comfortable, and loved in their home with the help of his special companion and trusted dog, Tracer.
Marvin had a deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Even during the last few months, as he graciously endured the cancer that ultimately claimed his life, one of his favorite things to do was to sing hymns with his family. Though his memory for names diminished, the words of the old hymns always come out easily for him as they ministered comfort and peace to his soul as he sang along. He often would encourage his neighbors and people he would meet to come to church. He loved singing in the choir, and now he is a member of the greatest choir, the heavenly choir, singing praises to his matchless Savior and King.
Marvin's earthly walk ended when he passed away Saturday, October 28, 2006, at the Northridge Residence Nursing Home in Ortonville, MN, reaching the age of 78 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Minnie; one brother, Rudy; a sister, Edna (Busse-Holzheimer); and a grandson, Scott Schmeichel. Marvin leaves for his family and friends a rich legacy of love, faith, diligence, and selfless care for others.
Marvin is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Steven (Barbara) Schmeichel of Wayzata, MN; Wendy (Duane) Jergenson of Cyrus, MN; Jim (Ranet) Schmeichel of Odessa, MN; and Becky (David) Schlagel of Tigard, OR; twenty grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; a sister, Lillian Gierke of Freemont, NE; his twin sister, Marcia Kaercher of Anchorage, AK; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.