Larry Eugene Schmidt left this earth to be with Jesus on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at his home in rural Zumbro Falls, MN after suffering a stroke.

Larry was born on January 26, 1941 in Watertown, SD to Eugene and Lillian Schmidt.

He was raised on the family farm near Butler, SD where he learned to value family, hard work, hunting and fishing with brother Rog. His passion for fishing remained for the rest of his life. He passed this love of fishing on to his wife, children and grandchildren.

Larry graduated from Bristol High School in 1959. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1959 and discharged in 1963, serving his last two years in Spain.

Larry graduated from SD State University in 1969 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a MS in Industrial Engineering. He was a member of the Pi Tau Sigma Fraternity.

He was hired by IBM in 1969 and worked on various engineering and project management assignments until his retirement in 1996. After retiring he contracted with Loral Space Systems in support of the US Postal Service and local businesses. He also worked part time at Andy's Liquors at the Wine Tasting Table on Saturdays, which he truly had fun doing.

Larry contributed many hours to the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program which helps lower income families with their tax returns. He volunteered for over 12 years – preparing returns and teaching classes to other counselors.

Larry was an active member and treasurer of the Shades of Green Hosta Society. He was also a Master Gardener with the U of M Extension program.

He was blessed with a great sense of humor and loved to hear people laugh; he made us laugh every day. He lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed the theater, golfing, "the cabin", gardening and reading; but his favorite was entertaining – gourmet cooking, dining and pairing the perfect wine with the meal.

He is survived by his wife Pam, father to five children; Kristina (Tony) Heid of Buffalo, MN, Wendy (Wesley) McDermott of Eau Claire, WI, Tammy (David) Petschl of Centerville, MN, Tracey (Wayne) Minyard of OKC, OK and Travis (Elisabeth) Schmidt of Fate, TX; 4 grandchildren; Milien and Matthias McDermott, Ashley Minyard and Madisen Schmidt; 2 brothers, Roger (Dolly) Schmidt of Aberdeen, SD and Terry (Jennifer) Schmidt of Fairbanks, AK

Preceding him in death were his parents and a sister, LeAnn Athey.

Celebration of life for Larry will be held at 5:00pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Wednesday prior to the service. A private interment will be in Pleasant Prairie Cemetery, rural Zumbro Falls, MN with military rights provided by the VFW Post 1215. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials to the family. They plan to donate a special Action Trackchair to a disabled Vet in memory of Larry.

www.mackenfuneralhome.com.