Dalton Schmidt

Dalton Erling Schmidt was born December 5, 1988 in Morris, Minnesota, the son of Lowell and Julie (Kolke) Schmidt.  He was baptized on December 18, 1988 at Immanuel Lutheran Church – Shible Township and was confirmed on May 18, 2003 at Grace Lutheran Church in Correll.  Dalton was raised near Appleton and graduated from Lac qui Parle Valley High School in 2007.  He joined the Minnesota National Guard in November, 2008 and was deployed to Iraq in March, 2009 through April, 2010.  Upon returning from Iraq, Dalton attended Ridgewater College in Willmar, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Agriculture in 2012.

Dalton’s love of farming was evident at an early age…as he would play with his toy tractors and farm implements for hours.  It is no surprise that he made agriculture his life’s work.  Dalton worked at West-Con for a time and in recent years he farmed with his uncle and cousin.

Dalton was married to Nicole Anderson on September 14, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton.  This union was blessed with a daughter, Sawyer, on June 20, 2014.  Dalton affectionately called Sawyer “little goof”…she was the light of his life.  Dalton enjoyed many great times with family and friends…from floating the river to coyote hunting to working on demo cars.  He always shared his contagious smile and laughter with everyone around and was willing to help anyone in need…at any time.

Dalton passed away early Tuesday, August 9, 2016 as the result of a motor vehicle accident at the age of 27.  He is survived by his wife, Nicole and daughter, Sawyer, of Appleton; parents, Lowell and Julie Schmidt of Appleton; sisters: Cherri Schmidt of Holloway and Ellissa Schmidt of Sauk Centre; parents-in-law: Lori Bliss (Tim Banken) of Appleton and Bruce (Ardell) Anderson of Appleton; brothers-in-law, Ross and Ryan Anderson of Appleton; nephew, Tyler Anderson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Orville and Gladys Schmidt and Erling and DeVaughn Kolke; grandparents-in-law, Ervin Bliss and Arlin and Doris Anderson; and cousin, Justine Schmidt.

Blessed be the memory of Dalton Erling Schmidt.