Deloris “Dee” Schmidt, 76, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at the Thornecrest Retirement Center.

Deloris Darleen (Heydt) was born on June 4, 1938, to Edwin and Anna (Albrecht) Heydt in New Ulm, Minnesota. She attended grade school in Sargeant, Minnesota, and she attended Austin High School. This is where she met the love of her life, David Schmidt. She married her high school sweetheart, David on Dec. 9, 1956, in Sargeant, Minnesota. The couple resided in Austin for a few years where they started their family. After a short stay in Austin, the family moved to Albert Lea, and then to Brooklyn Center for 10 years where they were caretakers of a condominium. The couple later moved back to the Albert Lea area to be closer to family.

Dee was an active member at Zion Lutheran Church, and was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She was a member of the Moose Lodge and enjoyed her gatherings with the “Bunco Club.” Dee and Dave were also members of the CB Club, where her handle was “White Lightning.” Dee enjoyed motorcycling, camping, crosswords, and playing candy crush on her kindle. All of her family agrees that she made the best homemade pizza and chocolate chip cookies! She was a kind, caring and loving person that enjoyed each moment she had with her family. She always had a bright smile, and always lent an ear to listen. She was a very positive person who was always laughing. You could tell by her unique and infectious laugh.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 59 years, Dave; children: Darla (Jim) Godtland, Dennis (Pam) Schmidt, and Dan (Pam) Schmidt, all of Albert Lea; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren with one on the way; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Richard (Jane) Heydt, of Bismark, North Dakota, and Marilyn (Craig) Hanson, of Northwood, Iowa; a special granddaughter, Missy Bremer; as well as many nieces, nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.

Dee is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Anna; daughter, Dawn Tolbers; brother, Raymond (LeAnn) Heydt; and her favorite dog, Peanuts.

She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Blessed be her memory.

A memorial service for Deloris will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at Zion Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Joel Vano will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Bonnerup Funeral Chapel, Albert Lea, and again one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences are welcome at www.bonnerupfuneralservice.com.