Memorial services for Donald Dale Schmitt, age 89, of rural Emmons will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Tom Biatek will officiate. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors accorded by area servicemen’s organizations. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Donald died on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at his home.

Donald Dale Schmitt was born on Nov. 25, 1923, in Nunda Township, the son of William and Hannah (Wenzel) Schmitt. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Emmons High School. Following school Donald served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He attended college for two years in the Twin Cities after his military service. On Feb. 5, 1950, Donald was united in marriage to Margaret Aanrud in Glenville. They farmed together on their farm between Twin Lakes and Emmons beginning in 1951. In 1983 Donald retired from farming and delivered motor homes for Winnebago. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and of the American Legion in Emmons. Donald enjoyed fishing, baseball and football, especially the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Blessed be his memory.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret; children Cindy (Randy) LaCore, Shelly Beers, and Chad (Kris) Schmitt; grandchildren Shawn, Travis, Dan, Alisha, Anna, Shauna, Dustin, Kayla, Brandon, Stacia, Matthew, Micah, and Eli; great-grandchildren Chloe, Xavier, Rex Goliath, Morgan, Asher, Cora, Anna, Caden, Zachary, Michael, and Jonathon; daughter-in-law Vicky Damon; son-in-law Steve Jepson; brothers Melvin (Emily), Eldon, and William Schmitt; sister Verlis (Wayne) Huntley, sisters-in-law Bernice and Olga Schmitt; and many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his son Daniel, daughters Sonja and Jacqueline, granddaughter Jarah, sister Wilma (Ray) Wampler, and brothers Delmar and LaVerne Schmitt.