Gunhild "Gunny" Schmidt

Gunhild “Gunny” Schmidt, age 99, went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2024 at Alomere Hospital in Alexandria, MN.  Gunhild was born to Torvald and Marie (Stokke) Skjerseth November 23, 1924 at the family farm near Brocket, ND.  Her parents were new immigrants from the Gjemnes area in Norway.  Gunny was the oldest of 9 children.  She attended school at Newbre Consolidated School until finishing high school as a senior in Lakota ND.  Gunhild was confirmed in the Hoff Lutheran Church.

Gunny began teaching in Adler Township, and later in Rubin Township.  She later substitute taught in the Lakota Schools until age 88 in any classroom.  She especially loved to teach lefse making to the students each year.

Gunny was a member of Lakota Lutheran Church, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, 4-H Leader, Sunday school Teacher, and a Confirmation Teacher.

Gunny served on the FHA board, wrote the Rubin Township and Lakota city histories for the anniversary books, and served on the Social Services Board for 39 years.  Gunny started the food pantry in Lakota, and worked with the program for 25 years.

Gunhild married Marcus Schmidt October 19, 1945.  They farmed in Rubin Township until 1986 when they moved into Lakota.  Marcus passed away July 11, 1995.  Gunny was a wonderful cook, but she especially liked to bake breads, and Norwegian foods and she loved to share them.

Gunny is survived by her four children, Carolyn, John (Rebecca) and their children Michael (Dawn), Matthew (Tara), Dan (Tara); Richard (Kathleen), and their children Travis (Brandi Halberg); Katie Schmidt; Jerry and his daughter Elly (Ray Sandstrom) Balmer.

15 Great Grandchildren - Carson Schmidt, Regan Schmidt, Owen Schmidt, Olivia Schmidt, Ty Schmidt, Charlie Schmidt, Norah Schmidt, Felicity Schmidt, Montana Halberg, Rhett (Tiffany) Halberg, Briar Halberg, Rider Schmidt, Whitney (Ben) Fowler, Hunter (Kylie) Balmer, Holden Miller.

4 Great Great Grandchildren: Violet Fowler, Saylor Balmer, Layton and Stetson Halberg.

Sister: Linda Graham, Sister-In-Law: Linda Skjerseth, Brothers-In-Law: Delmore Schmidt, and Ruben Schmidt.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Gunny was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Ralph and wife Betty, Knut and wife Gladys, Donald and wife Ruth, Melvin and wife Ruth, and John, Sisters: Dorothy and baby sister Carol, granddaughters: Katarie Schmidt, and Stacy Dunham.

A special thank you to her wonderful caregivers at Alomere Hospital, Barrett Care Center, Mill St Assisted Living, and Prairie Rose.  Lakota and Rubin Township were always special places for our mom, and she loved all the people there.  She considered everyone she met a friend.

The Memorial Service will be held at Lakota Lutheran Church, Lakota, ND, on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorials preferred to Gunny’s Pantry, Lakota Lutheran Church, Lakota School District, Lakota Library, the Auxiliary, or to the organization of your choice.

If you choose to give a memorial, Mom’s family will be so grateful if you would note your address on your card.