Francis M. "Frank" Schmidt

Francis M. "Frank" Schmidt, age 64, of Bloomington, died Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. He was born at home on January 15, 1944, the son of Martin and Alice (Bausch) Schmidt. Frank graduated from Bloomington High School and farmed until 1994. He started his own agricultural sales business, Francis Schmidt Sales. Frank also served in the U.S. Army National Guard Company C, 2D Battalion 1^st Engineer Brigade of Prairie du Chien for 10 years. He was an avid reader and was able to fix anything. Frank liked to discuss politics, had a wonderful sense of humor, liked his dogs and horses, and enjoyed spending his time with family.

He is survived by five brothers and two sisters: Roger Schmidt (Debbie), Pleasant Hill, MO; Judy (Terry) Stewart, Dubuque, IA; Wayne Schmidt, Palm Court, FL; Gary (Deb) Schmidt, Mount Hope; Ron (Deanne) Schmidt, Potosi; Chris McMahan, Cuba City; and Mark (Ellie) Schmidt, Bloomington; 15 nieces and nephews; 15 great-nieces and nephews; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his very dear friend and former wife, Louise Schmidt, Barneveld.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Robert and Christine Schmidt and Fred and Odelia Bausch; his brother, Donald, in 1942; and his great-niece, Sydney Little.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father Bart Timmerman officiating. Burial was in Little Grant Union Cemetery, Little Grant Township. Visitation was held Friday, March 7, 2008 from 4:00 8:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington, where an 8 p.m. parish scripture service was held. Friends also called after 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the church.