Ralph Carl Schmidt

Ralph Carl Schmidt was born February 20, 1919 in Appleton, Minnesota to Carl and Clara (Ehrenberg) Schmidt.  He grew up in the Correll area and graduated from Correll High School and attended North Dakota State University.  He continued to live in Fargo, working in the banking industry.  In 1938, he moved to Appleton and began working at Farmers and Merchants State Bank.  On June 18, 1941, Ralph was united in marriage to Goldie Alice Fawcett in Correll, Minnesota.  This union was blessed with more than 73 years of marriage, four sons, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

After marriage, they lived in Appleton.  Ralph then enlisted in the US Army during WWII and was assigned to duty in New Orleans where he served as an on-board radio officer. After serving his country, he returned to Appleton and continued working for the bank.  In 1966, he officially took over as co-owner, chairman of the board, and executive vice president.  Ralph enjoyed over 73 years in the banking industry.  He was president of the Swift County Bankers and was active in his community through the Appleton Chamber of Commerce, Appleton Golf Club, Commander of the Appleton American Legion, president of Zion Lutheran Church, and sports announcer for the Appleton Aces for over 25 years.  He also was an original charter member of Pioneer Public Television and served as manager of the station for five years.  He enjoyed spending time with family, time at the lake cabin, gardening, and was an avid baseball player.

Ralph is survived by his 3 sons: Malcolm (Melody) Schmidt of Marietta, Georgia, Wade (Cheryl) Schmidt of Appleton, and Clyde (Joan) Schmidt of Metropolis, Illinois; 6 grandchildren: Meghan King, Patrick Schmidt, Kathryn Culhane, Andrew Schmidt, Clara Tengwall, and Amelia Warden; 4 great-grandchildren: Keegan Culhane, Caleb Schmidt, Emma Tengwall, and Gavin Culhane; and brother, Carl Schmidt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Clara Schmidt; his wife, Goldie Schmidt on February 20, 2015; and an infant son, Giles Schmidt.

Angels watch over you.  Heaven gained another Angel today.