William C. ‘Bill’ Schmidt, 82, of Austin, Minn., died Monday, April 30, 2012, at his home.

William was born Sept. 3, 1929, in Austin to William C. and Melania A. (Gass) Schmidt. Bill went to work for the George A. Hormel Co. in 1947, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1950 to 1954. On Dec. 15, 1951, he was united in marriage to Inez Winkle at First United Methodist Church in Austin. They were married for 60 years. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned to work at the Hormel Company, retiring in 1984. After his retirement, Bill went to work at Austin Drapery Service. He was a member of the American Legion, and he loved yard work, gardening, mowing the lawn, and fishing. Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandpa.

Survivors include his wife Inez of Austin; his son David (Patricia) Schmidt of Austin; his daughter Pam (Mike) Johnson of Austin; seven grandchildren, Darik Distad, Chad Distad, Gretchen Boysen, Eric Johnson, Molly Pepper, Katy McMasters, Bridget Schmidt; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Patsy Lance of Tahoe City, Calif.; two brothers, Donald (Arkie) Schmidt of International Falls, Minn., and Michael (Judy) Schmidt of Auburn, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Melania, two brothers, and three sisters.

A private family memorial service will be held at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel at a later date, with the Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Military rites will be performed by the American Legion Post No. 91 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1216. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.