Paul Joseph Schmidt

Paul Joseph Schmidt, 79, rural Detroit Lakes, Minnesota died Saturday, October 5, 2013 at his home. Paul was born the son of Frank and Marguerite (Daughton) Schmidt on December 30, 1933 in Leon, Iowa. He was educated in Leon and graduated high school in Dubuque, Iowa. Paul was united in marriage to Frances Wilcox on October 11, 1952 in Des Moines, Iowa. They spent the early years of their marriage living in various cities in the Midwest, during his career in construction. He was responsible for constructing many buildings and structures throughout the Midwest. They moved to Rochester, MN in 1967 and to Bismarck, ND in 1976. In 1985 they moved to Lake Eunice in rural Detroit Lakes. During his retirement years, he enjoyed collecting antiques, especially wood planes and hand tools. Paul enjoyed meeting and visiting with new acquaintances and old friends. He also wrote poetry in his spare time. Paul was an active member of St Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church and had a strong faith. Paul is survived by his three sons, Joseph Schmidt of Lincoln, Nebraska; Frank (Patricia) Schmidt of Amston, Connecticut, and Kevin (Carole) Schmidt of Maquoketa, Iowa; one daughter, Toni (Steve) Falk of Grand Rapids, Michigan; eleven grandchildren, Daniel (Chelsy) Schmidt, Lindsay (Jared) Rawlings, Kyle, Aaron, and Hannah Schmidt, Kate, Tori and Nick Schmidt, Evan, Glen, and Anne Falk; one great-grandson, Hudson Rawlings; four brothers, Jim Schmidt of Detroit Lakes, MN; Dennis (Vivian) Schmidt of Hampden, MA; Ed (Dorothy) Schmidt of Osceola, IA; Bill (Ona) Schmidt of San Francisco, CA; numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, son Paul Anthony Schmidt, and his parents.