Norbert Schmidt

Norbert Anton Schmidt of Alexandria, Minnesota, danced his way into heaven on Thursday, December 12, 2013 from Grand Arbor in Alexandria. He was born on August 22, 1919 in Urbank, Minnesota to John and Margaret Schmidt. On June 5, 1945, Norbert married Edwina Zimmel, at which time his life really began. Norbert was a brilliant businessman and entrepreneur. He owned Schmidt?s Electric on South Broadway in Alexandria where his motto was: ?We fix everything but broken hearts.? Then, years later, he owned Schmidt?s Furniture & Electric on 13th & Broadway, from where he sold the first automatic washing machine in Douglas County, and was famous for his series of commercials ?Norbert in Orbit.? Norb?s Shaver Repair was longest operating business and took him all over the state selling and repairing shavers. Norbert was a passionate man; passionate about his faith, his wife, and family. The most important thing in Norbert?s life was the love his family shared. Norbert had a gift for fixing things. His creativity led to many inventions and subsequent patents. He also loved to dance with his wife, Edwina, and would make it a weekly habit. He was called Twinkle Toes by many, and they were well known for their dancing; they even danced on the Lawrence Welk show. They also were avid golfers. He is survived by his wife, Edwina; children: Gregory (Mary) Schmidt of Parkers Prairie, Valerie Hockert of Alexandria, Carter (Char) Schmidt of Alexandria, Charity (Ritchie) Spindler of Alexandria, Candia (Randy) Miller of Willmar, Melanie (Larry) Mastellar of Carrollton, TX, Jason (Marianne) Schmidt of Grapevine, TX; 28 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers, and a grandson. He is greatly loved by all his family, and will be missed by all. We will all remember how his eyes twinkled when he smiled; he had a great sense of humor. Norbert has left a legacy of love in our hearts. His passion, his integrity, and his love built not only successful business inventions, but his love built a home, a family, and a Godly heritage that will live on in our hearts forever. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary?s Catholic Church. Pallbearers were Paul Hockert, Terrill Schmidt, Christopher Schmidt, Todd Spindler, Ryan Mastellar, Mark Gaffaney. Military honors by American Legion Post 87, VFW Post 936 and MN National Honor Guard. Burial was at St. Mary?s Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net