William K. Schmidt

William “Bill” K. Schmidt, age 92, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2025, surrounded by family.

Bill was born on October 17, 1933, in Albertville Village, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Dorothy (Leffingwell) Schmidt. When he was nine years old, the family moved to Forest Lake, where Bill would spend the rest of his life. He graduated from Forest Lake High School and began working for his father at the Forest Lake Creamery.

Fate stepped in one evening when Bill and a friend were scheduled for a double date with two local girls. Two of the four didn’t show up, leaving Bill and Joyce Haselbauer to meet — and spend the evening roller skating, laughing, and falling in love.

Bill was later drafted into the United States Navy. While on leave, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Joyce, on September 15, 1956, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Forest Lake. The newlyweds moved to Long Beach, California, until Bill shipped out again. During his service, Joyce stayed at her parents’ Shady Oaks Resort on Forest Lake, awaiting his return. Upon his honorable discharge, Bill and Joyce settled in Forest Lake, where they raised their three children and built a lifetime of memories.

Bill worked as a butcher at Setterholm and Red Owl before becoming the grocery manager at Super Valu, where he dedicated 23 years. He took great pride in his work and even greater joy in the friendships he made along the way.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill loved hunting, fishing, and cheering for his beloved Minnesota sports teams. But above all, he cherished time spent with family — whether gathered at the lake, sharing a meal, or simply enjoying each other’s company.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy; sister, Gloria; and brother, Earl.

He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 69 years, Joyce; their children, Bill (Janice) Schmidt, Lori (Bill) House, and Dan (Tina) Schmidt; grandchildren, Aaron Schmidt, Alex Schmidt, Guy Schmidt, Faith Roth, Eva Krone, Rachel Greenwald, Renee Klossner, Kristi Fisher, Kenny (Ellh) Geroux, and Chloe Geroux; many great-grandchildren, Hadley (Aaron), Gideon, Juniper, Peregrine (Guy), Noah, Riley (Faith); siblings, Karen Long and Leon Schmidt; and countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Forest Lake.

Bill’s legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.