John Peter Schmitt was born October 9, 1936, at Worthington, Minnesota, to parents John N. and Getta (Berg) Schmitt. He graduated from Webster, South Dakota High School in 1954. Following graduation, John entered the military. He served in the US Navy from August 1954 to September 1957. John and Mary Hohn were married on September 4, 1961. To this union were born five children: Bill, Margaret, Kathy, Michael, and Tom. John attended South Dakota State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1963. John taught school in Conde, South Dakota, for three years, Watertown, South Dakota, for one year, and he then moved to Clarkfield, Minnesota, where he spent 30 years in the Clarkfield-Granite Falls School District. He retired three years ago. He was an active member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He loved music and was a member of the West Central Barbershop Chorus of Clara City. He also was a member of the St. Joseph's Music Group. John passed away early Thursday morning, May 4, 2000, at the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital, Montevideo, Minnesota, at the age of 63 years, 6 months, and 25 days. He is survived by his wife, Mary of Clarkfield; and his children: Bill of Norwalk, Wisconsin, Margaret of Maplewood, Minnesota, Kathy (and friend Jerry) of Clarkfield, Michael (and Chris) of Milroy, Minnesota, and Tom (and Betsy) of Porter, Minnesota; and grandchildren: Leah, Corina, and Jacob. He is also survived by two sisters: Carol (and Gary) Nelson of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Kathryn (and Leonard) Helwig of North Las Vegas, Nevada; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Getta Schmitt and Grandson Branden Schmitt. John was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed. Visitation Sunday, May 7, 2000 * 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Montevideo, Minnesota Mass of Christian Burial Sunday, May 7, 2000 * 7:00 p.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Montevideo, Minnesota Officiant, Fr. Jerry Paulson Organist, Sue Botten Vocal Music, St. Joseph's Music Group Casket Bearers Bernard Jahn, Ron Johnson Bill Koenig, Dean Shaw Curt Torgerson, Wayne Walther Committal Service Monday, May 8, 2000 * 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Montevideo, Minnesota Military Rites J. Ben Johnson Post #169, Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota