Mary Jane Schmitt

Mary Jane Schmitt, 72, of Rochester, MN passed away on August 13, 2017. Mary Jane was born on July 13, 1945 in Joplin, MO and was adopted by her parents, Russell and Lois Hazelwood. Mary Jane attended various schools during her childhood as her parents moved several times. She graduated as the class salutatorian from Orono High School in 1963. Mary Jane graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of science in nursing in 1967. She worked as a registered nurse at the Masonic Hospital for 11 months before moving to Rochester, MN in 1968. Mary Jane and Steven Schmitt met at the library at the U of M and were married September 17, 1965. After moving to Rochester, three sons were born, Timothy and Anthony, twins were born March 8, 1970 and Jonathan, April 30, 1972. During her life Mary Jane was active in many organizations, Mother of Twins, Olmsted County Genealogical Society, History Center of Olmsted County, Cub Scouts, Royals baseball, and the Olmsted GOP. She had a lifelong love of baseball and was the founding mother of the Roosters, a vintage baseball club at the history center. She was very active as the Roosters General manager from the beginning in 1997 through the 20th Anniversary in 2017. Mary Jane has long had an interest in politics, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Minnesota Twins. She enjoyed taking genealogy research trips all over the country with friends. The family has a cabin near Forestville State Park and enjoyed many years there when the boys were growing up, hiking, fishing, and driving go-karts. Mary Jane was involved in the boys activities of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and youth baseball. Mary Jane was the interim director of the history center for nine months in 1999. She was a member of the Board of Directors of both the History Center of Olmsted County and Royals baseball for several years. She worked as a part time merchandiser for American Greetings from 2002 to 2017. Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Steven Schmitt. She is also survived by her three sons, Timothy (Renee), Anthony and Jonathan (Christy); and one granddaughter, Josie; and three step grandchildren, Aleks, Addie and Beth. Her siblings, Richard Hazelwood, James Hazelwood, Karen (Hazelwood) Loney; and biological siblings, Don Freeman and Kathy Lyons also survive. In lieu of flowers a donation to one of the following would be appreciated, History Center of Olmsted County, Seasons Hospice or Royals baseball club. There will be a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN (507) 289-3600