Arthur G Schmidt

Arthur G. Schmidt, age 98, of Rochester, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Season's Hospice House in Rochester. Arthur Grannis Schmidt was born September 9, 1921 in Lake City, Minnesota the son of Paul and Vesta (Grannis) Schmidt. He moved with his family to Rochester in 1926. He graduated from Rochester High School and attended junior college. He enlisted into the United States Army Air Corp on July 16, 1942 at Fort Snelling, MN. He was stationed in England as a dispatcher clerk and packed parachutes. He was honorably discharged on December 6, 1945 at Camp McCoy, WI. Arthur was united in marriage to Wanda Squires on July 11, 1943 in Rochester. Arthur worked for Lincoln Mercury Garage and US Postal service as a mail carrier. In 1957 he began his 30 year career at IBM as a parts expeditor, retiring at the age of 62. Arthur was a member of the American Legion William T. McCoy Post #92, Rochester Masonic Lodge #21, Fraternal Order of the Eagles #2634, and Elks Lodge #1091. He enjoyed singing and square dancing and was a member of the Barbershop, The M and C Squares and the ROC 9 square dance clubs. He was also a member of the Congregational Church and longtime choir member. Arthur loved to fish and would always have a fishing pole available in his car to fish at any lake, river or pond. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting with his dad, Paul. He is survived by his three children, Steven (Christy) Schmidt of Mazeppa, MN, Carolyn Smith of Rochester, MN, Charles (Candy) Schmidt of Pine Island, MN; six grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; a sister, Helen Collopy of Rochester, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wanda; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Chuck Podolske; brother-in-law, Lloyd Collopy. Private family services will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, Rochester, MN with military honors. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery in Lake City, MN. Memorial are preferred to the Congregational Church 974 Skyline Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or donor's choice. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Schmidt family; to share a special memory of condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com