Dennis Schmidt, age 77, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
Dennis was born on June 24, 1949, in Wabasha, Minnesota to Clarence “Boop” and Marcella Schmidt. He grew up attending Pepin Hall School, a small, two-room country school where he was one of just eight students in his eighth-grade graduating class. He always treasured those early school years and the friendships that came with them. His classmates remained close throughout their lives, gathering each year for a class reunion. Dennis went on to attend Wabasha High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduation.
While serving in Vietnam as a radioman, Dennis was severely injured on October 26, 1968, when a mine detonated as he crossed a rice paddy while on patrol. Following two years of hospitalization and recovery, he returned home and began the next chapter of his life. He married his wife, Mary, and attended Winona Vocational Technical School, completing a two-year program in electronics. Dennis worked as an electronic technician for Control Data in Bloomington before joining Hastings School District 200, where he worked as a maintenance mechanic and lead custodian.
Dennis was a friendly, outgoing man who could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He had a way of making strangers feel like old friends. During his years working for the Hastings schools, he got to know countless teachers, students, and staff members. He had an incredible memory for the people he met and always seemed to have a story to share about someone.
Outside of work, Dennis enjoyed golfing and fishing trips with his longtime fishing buddies Jerry Parkin, Jack Stamschror, and many others over the years. He took great pride in his little hobby farm, where he raised his own beef. He also enjoyed relaxing in his favorite recliner, watching television and keeping up with sports, especially hockey.
Dennis loved his family dearly, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also had a knack for keeping everyone busy. His family knew all too well what was coming when he said, “I have a job for you,” or “If you’re looking for something to do...” Those familiar words became part of who Dennis was and will surely bring a smile to those who knew him best.
Dennis remained proud of his service as a Marine and was a member of the Metro Marines, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary; son, Brian (Dawn); son-in-law, Russ (Michelle) Sobeich; grandchildren, Tyler (Christy) Schmidt, Treya Schmidt (fiancé, Luke Nelson), Quintin Schmidt, Zach (Brooke) Sobiech, and Jake (significant other, Emily) Sobiech; step-grandson, Tristan VonBargen; sisters, Carolyn (Hogey) Holmgren and Connie (Mike) Kubista; brothers, Bob (Michelle) Schmidt, Allan Schmidt, Ed (Shelley) Schmidt, and John Schmidt; sister-in-law, Barb Schmidt; along with his great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sheila Sobiech; his parents; and brothers, David and Jerry Schmidt.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until the time of Mass. A reception will follow. Burial will take place at the parish cemetery with military honors provided by Lyle Russell VFW Post 1210.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
