Nancy M. Schmidt

Nancy M. Schmidt, age 76, of Alexandria went peacefully onto heaven on Saturday, February 24, 2024, surrounded by family at her home.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Jon Jahnke officiating.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Nancy Marie was born on February 6, 1948, to Aldon and Arlene (Bluhm) Davidson in Redwood Falls. Growing up, she lived in Belview and Franklin, Minnesota with her family. Despite her family's relocation to Redwood Falls, Nancy chose to remain in Franklin to complete her senior year of high school, staying with the Rodvik family friends who became like a second family to her. She continued her education at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, completing her bachelor’s degree in English. Her love for education deepened over the years, culminating in the completion of a master's degree with a specialization in Special Education.

She was united in marriage to Roland Schmidt in 1971, and together they resided in Appleton, Minnesota. They were blessed with three children – Heidi, Corey, and Jeremy. She encouraged her children to be involved in various sports and community organizations.  It was no surprise to find her cheering them on at everything they were involved in. Family was always important to her. 

Nancy's passion for education truly blossomed during her time in Appleton, embodying her heart and soul. She began her career as an English teacher and eventually transitioned into Special Education, where she truly found her calling. Her love for her students was evident. She wanted only the best for them and to teach them in a way they would understand. Over the years, many families and students remained in close contact with her, a testament to her impact far beyond the classroom. To them, she was more than a teacher; she was a mentor and friend. Nancy's commitment to education spanned 39 remarkable years, during which she was honored as one of Minnesota's Teachers of the Year in 1990. Even after retirement, Nancy's passion for teaching remained, as she found joy in educating her grandchildren through fun activities. Her children also recognized that she continued to teach them valuable life lessons, a practice she maintained until the end of her life. After retiring, she resided in Alexandria to live on the lake. 

Over the years, Nancy was involved in various school, community and church organizations, contributing to a lengthy list of involvements. Nancy's commitment to helping others, marked by a serving heart, was of utmost importance to her. She consistently put the needs of others first, and was always willing to extend her support and assistance. She loved everything about music, from instrumental pieces featuring the saxophone and piano to singing in the choir, as well as performing as a soloist at church events. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren whether in the quiet of her home or traveling with them. You could find her sitting on her deck, drinking coffee and looking out at Lake Carlos, either alone or with friends and family. The lake and her home were her happy places. Before health issues became more prominent, she also enjoyed golfing. She played for years and even achieved a hole-in-one at the Appleton golf course. During quiet times on her own, you would find her reading or in her recliner, watching sports on TV.
 One of Nancy's best characteristics, known to her children and friends, was her love of telling stories and laughing. When she received her cancer diagnosis not so long ago, her strength was evident, and her faith in God was even stronger. She said, "You can choose to laugh or choose to cry. I am going to choose to laugh." That is Nancy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Aldon and Arlene Davidson; and brother, David Davidson.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Heidi (Tony) Ducato; two sons, Corey (Megan) Schmidt and Jeremy (Bobbi) Schmidt); two brothers, Steve (Sue) Davidson and Jon (Sue) Davidson; three grandchildren, Nicholas Ducato, Finley and Emmy Schmidt; nieces and nephews, Chad (Julie), Shelly (Jack), Ashley (Gary), and Travis; honorary daughter, Brenda (Dan) Schmidt Freidel; honorary grandchildren, Ryan (April), Adam, and Lydia Lommen and Emma Freidel; honorary great-grandchild, Cameron Lommen; former husband, Roland Schmidt; along with many more nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, Nancy’s family would appreciate memorials they can designate to her favorite organizations and charities.