Charles Schmidt, 83, of Red Lake Falls, MN died on Wednesday, June 20, 2001 at Pioneer memorial Care Center in Erskine. Arrangements with Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, June 22, 2001 at 1:00 PM in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls with Father Tim Bushy Officiating and Father Gerald Noesen Concelebrating. Burial will be held and the Oak Grove Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held on Thursday 5 " 8 PM with a 7:00 Prayer service at the Johnson Funeral service in Red Lake Falls and also one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Charles Mares Schmidt was born November 7, 1917 at Plummer, MN son of the late Charles Sr. and Annie (Mares) Schmidt. In 1926 he moved to Red Lake Falls with his parents. Charles graduated from Lafayette high school in 1936. He formed a dance band and played in the area. He entered the US Army March 30, 1942 and served during WWII in the North Pacific receiving the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star. Following his honorable discharge on October 3, 1945 he returned to Red Lake Falls. He was united in marriage to Orrie Strande December 8, 1947 in Thief River Falls, MN. The couple lived in Fargo for three years, then returned to Red Lake Falls where he worked at Thibert Chevrolet for several years. Charles started the Smith Brothers Orchestra and played throughout the area for many years.
Charles was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, was a member of the American Legion Post in Red Lake Falls and the VFW. He loved to garden and enjoyed entertaining his friends but music was his passion.
He is survived by his two children Mike Schmidt of Red Lake Falls, MN; and Susan Schmidt of Minneapolis, MN; two grandchildren Shanna and Michelle: one sister Betty Cassavant of Red Lake Falls, MN and one brother Francis Bylo (Clarice) Schmidt of Moorhead, MN. Many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, his wife Orrie on August 25, 1999 and one sister Clarissa. One brother in law Larry Cassavant.

MILITARY HONORS: Red Lake Falls American Legion Post
ORGANIST: Kathie Knott
SPECIAL MUSIC: St. Joseph Church Choir
CASKET BEARERS: Doug Schmidt, Chuck Schmidt, Bill Cassavant, Brent Cassavant, Bob St. Marie, Gene Skala