Virgil Schmit

Virgil Henry Schmit, 67, of Dalton, died surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at the Fargo VA Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

He was born May 3, 1946, in Luverne, Minnesota, the son of Michael and Elvira (Lenz) Schmit. He attended school in Heron Lake, MN. He entered the U.S. Army in 1966, serving for two years in Germany during the Vietnam War. Upon his return he went to Pipestone Technical College, earning a Masonry degree.

On October 4, 1975, he married his red head, the love of his life, Eileen Louise Follen in Brewster, Minnesota. He worked for many years as a union bricklayer for various contractors. In 1984 Virgil began working as a mason at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center where he worked for 18 years.

Spending time with his “gang” and especially his grandchildren was his favorite activity. He also enjoyed playing cribbage, relaxing on the deck and looking out over the lake, and enjoying a cold beer with his buddies.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Michael and Elvira Schmit, and a brother, Dean Schmit.

Survivors include his wife, Eileen Schmit of Dalton; children Carrie (Trent) Harthun of Pelican Rapids, Brian (Emily) Schmit of West Fargo, and Kathy (Karlo) Etten of Foxhome; grandchildren Brianna and Tristan Harthun, and John, Grant and Mazie Etten; siblings Mavis (Gary) Lutterman of Gaylord MN and Darvin Schmit of Heron Lake MN; uncles Earl (Rita) Lenz and Edward Lenz, both of Lismore MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013, at the Olson Funeral Home
Clergy: Deacon Chuck Kampa
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls
Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.