Viloa Schmitt

Viola Schmitt, 91, passed away on July 31, 2014 at Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria, MN. Visitation will be held August 8, 2014 from 3-6 PM with a prayer service at 4 pm at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN. Interment will be at the St Leo Cemetery, St Leo MN on August 9 followed by a Celebration of Life. Viola was born on June 24, 1923 near Bruno, Saskatchewan to Ernest and Angela (Kockelman) Merwin. She grew up on a farm near Bruno where she attended the small country school. Viola followed an older sister, Gert, to Fort St John, British Columbia, where there were many jobs supporting the crews that were constructing the Alaska Highway. She cooked in the camps along the Alaska Highway moving as far north as Whitehorse. Viola was married to Robert Charles on November 9, 1943 until his death December 18, 1947. On a family visit to St Leo, MN, where her mother grew up, she met Arnold Schmitt. Viola and Arnold were married on December 5, 1951. Arnold and Viola had two children, Betty and Ernie. Arnold passed away in October 14, 1974. Viola and Arnold lived in the St. Leo area for many years. She worked as a Homemaker, Nurses Aid, Cook, sold Stanley products, and owned a carpet cleaning business. She was an active member of St Leo Catholic Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW and Eagles. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, playing cards, puzzles and her family. She loved to cook and create new recipes. She had an adventurous spirit and a great sense of humor. Viola is survived by her children: Betty of Alexandria and Ernie (Joni) of Laporte. Her Grandchildren: Samantha, Michael, Pamela, Nick and Kali; sister Delores, as well as great-grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. She is proceeded in death by her husbands, her parents and her siblings: Mary(Fritz), Jacob(Jean), Gert(Lawrence), Bernice(Colin), Joe(Esmeralda), Wilfred(Grace), Roman(Mary), Edmond(Nan), Conrad(Vi), Edwin, Omer(Bernice) and Jerome. She will be missed. Blessed be her memory.