Mary Schmitter

Mary Caroline Schmitter was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt who was immeasurably dedicated to her faith, community, and those she loved. Mary passed away peacefully on December 25th, 2024 at the age of 92.

Mary was born on June 6th, 1932 in Rochester, MN to Myrna and George Hanson. Mary was an involved high school student; she played first chair violin in the orchestra, was in the National Honor Society and a member of numerous clubs.

After graduating, Mary traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii to work as a medical secretary at the Straub Clinic. In Honolulu she met the love of her life, Paul Schmitter, whom she married on May 1, 1954. Paul and Mary taught square and folk dancing through the University of Hawaii. Mary played violin in the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra.

After starting their family in Honolulu, Mary and Paul returned to Rochester, MN. Mary then completed a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota and a Master's Degree in Management from St. Mary's University in Winona.

Mary's professional life was marked by her tireless work ethic and her passion for supporting and training healthcare workers. She taught at the Rochester Community and Technical College in the Medical Secretarial Programs for seventeen years. She worked at the Mayo Clinic as a Personnel Counselor and later as Training and Education Coordinator, served on the Board of Directors of the Job Training Center and chaired their Personnel Committee.

Mary was not just a regular attendee of services at her church, she was a leader who devoted her time and energy to supporting her church community. Mary served on the Leadership Board, chaired several pastor search teams and played violin in the church orchestra.

Mary was deeply dedicated to her family, constantly expressing her love, making intentional memories, and modeling a life of service. She co-chaired the Training Committee of the Gamehaven Council of the Boy Scouts and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, always looking for ways to be present in the lives of her three sons.

Mary loved spending time with her sons, their spouses, and all grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was deeply talented and stayed active, enjoying golf, bowling, curling, dance, aerobics, and zumba.

Her grandchildren knew that time with Nana meant card games, adventures, Mickey Mouse waffles, and elaborate custom cakes for every birthday. No matter what your dream in life was, she would make you believe you could do it and do whatever she could to help.

More than anything, Mary had a vibrant passion and love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. No better words can sum up the way she lived out her faith, than her favorite verse that she quoted often, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Remaining to cherish Mary's memory are her three sons and their wives, Steve (Denise), Dave (Linda) and Todd (Elizabeth); thirteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; her sister Marlys; her brother Donald (Jean), and her sister in law Sally Hanson.

Preceding Mary in death are her husband Paul, her brother Robert "Buzz" and her sister Kathy.

Visitation will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home on Thursday, January 2nd from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at Calvary Evangelical Free Church on Friday, January 3rd with a visitation at 9 am and service at 10 am.

Memorials can be directed to Alzheimer's Association, Leukemia & Lymphoma society or Calvary E-free Church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Schmitter family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.