Rodney Clarence Schmidt

Rodney Clarence Schmidt, age 81, of Sabin, MN passed away Monday, October 23^rd, 2023, at Farmstead Assisted Living in Moorhead, MN.

Rodney’s funeral service will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sabin, MN at 11:00 am and officiated by Rev. Brett Hartwig. Burial will follow the service at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 7:00 pm.

Rodney was born September 4, 1942 to Clarence and Esther (Lobitz) Schmidt. Rodney grew up living in rural Sabin and helping his father farm in his early years.

Rodney graduated from Moorhead High School.  He married Clarice Mickelson on August 30, 1963. Rodney always had a love for the land and farming. He was very proud of what his ancestors did.  Rodney was proud to be the 6^th generation farming their land. Rodney and Clarice made their home in rural Sabin and had one son, Randy. Rodney and Randy continued the tradition of growing potatoes and farmed to this day with grandson Scott by their side. Rodney had a very close relationship with Randy and Scott. Family was most important to Rodney and he supported them in their interests, whether it be many different animals (‘The Schmidt Zoo’ according to some visitors), to doing fireworks shows.

Rodney was Clarice’s biggest cheerleader when she served on the Minnesota State Fair Board. He really enjoyed the MN State Fair. His love of the State Fair started when he was only 10 years old and won a State Fair trip, taking his Brown Swiss Heifer, ‘Primrose’, to the State Fair. That yearly trip continued beyond 60 years! Rodney spent many years judging 4-H potatoes and always enjoyed what the 4-Hers had to tell him. Rodney and Clarice made many lifelong friends through the State Fair.

Rodney was active in many committees, including Red River Valley Potato Association, Sabin Lions, and chair of Elmwood Township Board. Rodney was also the voice of the Clay County Fair Demolition Derby for many years. Rodney was never afraid of hard work and always went the extra mile to be kind and honest with people. Rodney had such a great sense of humor, always making people laugh and enjoy being around him.

Traveling with the motorhome during the summer to see new sights and going South for a couple of months in the winter, they made new friends in Mesa. Rodney enjoyed shuffleboard. He played almost daily, and became known as “The Shuffleboard King.” Rodney always looked forward to their trips to Mesa.

Rodney will be dearly missed by many, but especially his best friend and wife of 60 years, Clarice; his number one son, Randy (Marlene); his buddy and grandson, Scott (Paige); great-grandchildren who he loved dearly: his pride and joy, Peyton and a soon-to-be great-grandson; and sibling, Lynette; along with many other nieces and nephews and their families. Rodney had a nickname for many of his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Esther Schmidt; mother-in-law Bertha Mickelson; sisters-in-law: Inez Horgen, Doris Labish, and Dorothy Nordback; brother-in-law Johnny Johnson, and nephew Terry Labish.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Rodney departed way too soon leaving love and kindness to many.

In lieu of flowers the family requested donations to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.