John Henry Schmidt

JOHN HENRY SCHMIDT, age 82, of Janesville passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Born on October 20, 1941 in Mankato, John was the son of Robert and Sadie (Risenbigler) Schmidt. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1960. Following his education, he was drafted into the Army. He served in the Vietnam war and was later honorably discharged. John worked for the City of Janesville and the Janesville Municipal Utilities. On April 11, 1964, he was united in marriage to LaJune Schwarz at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville.

John lived his life by working hard and doing the right thing. He was a dedicated member of Janesville Fire Department, where he was once Chief. He was a lifetime member of the Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association and Minnesota Firefighters Association. He was always willing to help and volunteer where he was needed. He even started the onion ring stand at Haydaze where he would dedicate his entire week to serving the city of Janesville. He was a life member of the VFW and the American Legion Post 281. He was a dedicated and loving grandfather who enjoyed being around his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by his wife of 59 years, LaJune Schmidt of Janesville; sons, Joseph (Darla) Schmidt of St. Cloud, James (special friend, Becky Todd) Schmidt of Lake Wilson; grandchildren, Bryant (Lynsey) Schmidt, Austin Schmidt, Melina Schmidt, Christian Schmidt, Izik Schmidt, Kyle (Cindy) Gratke, Kennedy (James) Lundquist, Shanna Todd; great-grandchildren, Layton Schmidt, Madilyn Schmidt, Carter Solberg, Paisley Gratke, Kayden Gratke, Zaelyn Gratke, Brantley Gratke; and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Sadie Schmidt; brother, Robert Schmidt; and step-sister, Joann Lares.

Memorials preferred to the Janesville Fire Department and the Janesville Veteran’s Memorial.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM at the church. Interment will be at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery.