Sylvester Schmith

Wadena resident Sylvester “Bud” Joseph Schmith was born to Nicholas and Emma (Geber) Schmith on December 4, 1924, in Wadena County, MN. Bud and Marian Schloeder were united in marriage on May 17, 1945, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena. He served in the United States Army beginning in October 1945 until his honorable discharge brought him home in August 1946. He retired in 1987, after 41 years at Todd-Wadena Electric, as director of operations. He and Marian enjoyed 12 years in Arizona, during the winter months, spending time with family and friends, which suited him fine. Bud served as President of MN Line Superintendents, as a two-term Northwest Area Red Cross Chairman, Chairman of Leaf River Township Board, President of Wadena Lions Club, Chairman of St. Ann’s School Board, and was a member of the Wadena VFW. In years past he played the pitcher’s position for the Wadena Hi-10 League, and most recently played golf, hunted, and looked forward to coffee with the guys. While in Arizona, Bud enjoyed his opportunity to help the Colorado Rockies at the spring training camp. Bud passed away on February 7, 2011 at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Emma; brothers Andrew and infant Kenneth; and sisters Marcella Lubke and Mary Ann Nelson; brothers-in-law Allen Lubke, Bruce Nelson and Bill Larson; and sister-in-law Elsie Schmith. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marian of Wadena; sons Tim of Wadena and Bill (Rosalie) of Sebeka; daughters Sue Blaseck of Rancho Mirage, CA, Nancy (Charlie) Lee of Paris, IL, Pat (Mike) Schoneman of Spicer, Becky (Steve) Shunk of Virginia Beach, VA, and Shelly (Johnny) Lang of Cedar Creek, TX; 20 grandchildren & 12 great-grandchildren; brother Mannie (Pat) of Brainerd; and sisters Beaty Larson of Wadena, and Betty (Clyde) Bigelow of Brandon, SD. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on February 11, 2011, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, with Father Donald Wagner as celebrant. Pallbearers were Travis Schmith, Brandon Schmith, Robert Larson, Dale Schmith, Mark Blaseck and Taylor Johnson. Military honors were provided by Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wadena, MN. Burial was in Wadena Cemetery.

Sylvester Schmith

December 4, 1924 - February 7, 2011