Lorna J. Schmidt

LORNA JEAN SCHMIDT was born on April 10, 1936 to Edward and Viola (Soutar) Henningsen at the Luverne Hospital in Luverne, Minnesota. She was raised in Mound Township in Rock County. Her family attended the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne where she was a third generation member. Here she was baptized, confirmed, married and an active member of her church family throughout the years. She attended school in Luverne, graduating with the class of 1953. She was united in marriage to Howard D. Schmidt on October 9, 1955. The couple made their home on a farm outside of Luverne. Lorna was a farm wife and stay at home mother to her children until they finished high school. She then began working at various sites for individuals with developmental disabilities. During this same time, Lorna decided to further her education. She graduated with an associate’s degree from Worthington Community College in 1985 and later with her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Sioux Falls in 1993 – forty years after her high school graduation. She was employed as a supervisor for two CCSI sites for over twenty years. Lorna was diagnosed with cancer and on Saturday, August 8, 2015, Lorna died peacefully at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 28 days.

Lorna was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and deacon. She was active in the Presbyterian Women and was pleased to be chosen as an Honorary Member in 2007. She also served on several church committees at the local level. She enjoyed helping with 4-H and served for many years as a 4-H leader when her children were young. She loved traveling and enjoyed time spent with the Prime Timers.

Lorna is lovingly remembered by her three children, Edward (Ethanie) of Tracy, Minnesota, Harold “Hal” (Lori) of Luverne, and Laura Woods of Luverne; five grandchildren, Michael (Jacquelyn) Schmidt of Eagle Lake, MN, Kelly (Sarah) Schmidt of New Ulm, Minnesota, Kasey Jo (Durel) Carstensen of Arvada, Colorado, and Andrea and Samantha Woods of Luverne; five great-grandchildren, Aubree, Kate and Britta Schmidt, and Conley and Devon Carstensen; two sisters, Margi (Vance) Kohl of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and Alice Phillips of Brookville, Ohio; and other family. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Phillips.

Memorials may be directed to the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage.