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Ralph Reuben Schmidt, 72, of Longville, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, April 19, 2011 while on a hunting trip with his son Tim, and "other son", Jeff Neuman.

Ralph was born August 18, 1938 in Paynesville, Minnesota to Reuben and Marie (Schaefer) Schmidt. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the National Guard, and then graduated from Eden Valley High School. Following graduation he attended Humboldt Institute (Dunwoody) for two years in the Air Traffic Control Program. He returned to Litchfield, working at Harding Dry Cleaners prior to his marriage to Doris Albrecht on February 25, 1961. Ralph then continued his career with the Minnesota Army National Guard, beginning in Litchfield as a private first class, and moved up in rank. In 1990 Ralph was transferred to Battalion Headquarters in Willmar, retiring in 1997 as a Command Sergeant Major after 41 years of service. During his military tenure Ralph was stationed in Guatemala, Norway, Alaska, and multiple other bases on training and humanitarian missions. Ralph's name is listed on the National Guard Memorialization Wall at the museum at Camp Ripley in honor of his exemplary service to our country. In 1994 Ralph and Doris moved to the Longville area where they enjoyed their retirement years on beautiful Hunter Lake. Ralph will be remembered as "the handyman of Hunter Lake". He meant so much to so many because of all the little things he did for others. He was a man of character, who had a servant heart and showed his love and care of others through his many acts of kindness. Ralph loved to spend time snowmobiling, fishing (especially ice fishing), and hunting, and had a special enjoyment for polka music. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Longville, served as a church usher, was Road Supervisor for Wabedo Township, was Vice President of the Hunter Lake Association, and a member of the Manannah Sno-Blazers Snowmobile Club.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Doris Schmidt, daughter Deb (Tom) McCann, Son Tim (Jodi) Schmidt, four grandchildren; Alaina (Adrian) Martinez, Zac (Laci) McCann, Tyler Schmidt, Taryn Schmidt, three great grandchildren; Diego Martinez, Tripp McCann, and Jacquelyn McCann, brother Bob (Toni) Schmidt, sisters; Alice (Joe) Thissen, Kathy (Corey) Holtz, his "bonus Dad" Arnie Ohnstad, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Marie, grandson Cole McCann, and nephew David Schmidt.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville with Pastor John Monson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls on Monday, Aptil 25, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. The Dennis funeral Home of Longville assisted the family in making service arrangements. Share on-line condolences at www.dennisfuneralhome.com

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