Schmidt, Earl P. age 79 of Cologne passed away on Thursday December 11, 2008 at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.
Earl was born on November 27, 1929 in Benton Twp. Cologne, the son of Philipp E. and Emma (Seltz) Schmidt. Earl was baptized on December 15, 1929 by Rev. Herman AmEnd and confirmed on March 29, 1942 both at Zion Lutheran Church Benton Twp. Cologne by Rev. Herman AmEnd. On June 16, 1956 Earl was united in marriage to Marville C. Herrmann at E&R Church of Peace in Norwood Young America by Rev. E.F. Menger. Earl and Marville lived and farmed on the Schmidt family farm in Benton Twp., which they purchased from Earl’s father. Earl was very proud to have lived his entire life on that homestead. In 1968, he changed careers and began working as a salesman for Rainy Water Conditioning Company. He retired in 1996 to enjoy his family, playing cards and traveling. He and Marville went to 8 countries and many of the States. Earl was a musician and played the trombone. He played his first old time dance job with the Ivan Kahle Band in 1946, while still in high school. From 1951 through 1954, Earl served his country as a Marine and was stationed in San Diego. He played trombone in the Marine Band and marched in 2 Rose Bowl parades. In 1960, Earl formed his own old time band, the Earl Schmidt Orchestra, featuring Jerry Schuft on concertina. Through his band travels and experiences, Earl was very pleased to meet so many wonderful people. In 2003, Earl and Marville were recognized as Volunteers of the Year by the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. They had worked as emcees for concertina jamborees annually in Gibbon, since 1973. In 2004, Earl was inducted into the MMHOF in New Ulm. Earl also enjoyed word games and crossword puzzles and was a contestant on 2 game shows, Scrabble and Wheel of Fortune. Earl is preceded in death by his parents Philipp and Emma Schmidt, sister Mildred Marks, brothers Wilbur Poppitz and Marvin Schmidt, brothers-in-law Marvin Rolf and Eldon Herrmann, sisters-in-law Martha Schmidt and Orpah Schmidt. Earl is survived by his loving family: wife Marville. Son and daughter-in-law John and Patty Schmidt of St. Paul. Daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Alan Buckentine of Cologne. Grandchildren Adam Buckentine and special friend Corie Korin, Heidi Buckentine and special friend Phil Pieper. Brother Erwin Schmidt of Norwood Young America. Sisters and brothers-in-law Eunice and Harold Bruesehoff of Cologne, Clarence Marks of Minneapolis. Sisters-in-law Esther Poppitz of Norwood Young America, Irene Herrmann of Hamburg. Nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Casket Bearers Virgil Hedtke, Marvin “Cactus” Stoehr, Ron Hahn, Jerome Kadlec, David Kroells, Hillard Grack. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia.
Funeral service was held on Sunday December 14, 2008 1:30 P.M. at the Zion Lutheran Church Benton Twp. Cologne with Rev. Eric Zacharias officiating. Visitation Saturday 3-8 P.M. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia and 1 hour prior to the service at church. Interment Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
Eric Zacharias 
