Alfred C. Schmidt died peacefully at Trillium in Bemidji, MN, on Thursday, June 7, 2012.

Al was born in 1927 to Rosalind and Alfred F.C. Schmidt in Argonne, Wisconsin. He attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, until his education was interrupted by his enlistment in the Navy during WW II. After his discharge from the service he completed college at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He then attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1951. He moved to Minnesota to Clerk for Justice Clarence Magney at the Minnesota Supreme Court before moving to Bemidji to establish a law practice. He formed a partnership with Douglas Cann practicing general law in private practice and as the Assistant Beltrami County Attorney until he retired in 1989. Al was dedicated to his community, involved in a number of organizations. He was a past president of the Bemidji Jaycees and was involved in Rotary for 37 years. He gave freely of his legal expertise where needed.

Al met Joan Laffoley on Martha’s Vineyard and fell in love. They were married in 1950. They shared a full and joyous life until Joan’s death in 2010. Al is survived by his eight children, Lise (Michael) Schmidt, Eric (Jodi) Schmidt , Pat (James) Freer, Jenny Smith, Laura (Dave) Rega, John (Anne) Schmidt, Jim Schmidt, and Peggy (Jay) Hunt, 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and his brother Phillip. He was preceded by his wife, and his brothers Richard and Edmond, and his sisters Ellen and Esther.

Al was an avid reader, traveler, outdoorsman and gardener. He enjoyed cooking and was a talented photographer. He was willing to share his knowledge with all who wanted to learn.

The family invites all to attend A Celebration of Alfred’s Life on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 from
3 PM – 6 PM at Trillium at Woods Edge (Neilson Place). Arrangements were entrusted to the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

The family requests that memorials be sent to Bemidji Rotary, P.O. Box 1321, Bemidji, Mn 56601.

The family would like to thank the staff at Trillium for their exceptional care of our mother and father. Words cannot express our gratitude.