Theodore Charles Schmitt of Dawson, died on Friday, November 6, 2009, at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Dawson at the age of 93. Funeral Mass was on Tuesday, November 10, at 11:00 AM, at the St. James Catholic Church in Dawson with Father Revocatus Mwakera as the celebrant and Sister Vivian as the commentator; also participating were: ushers, Mark Bukowski and Brandon Schmitt; mass servers, Quinn and Gavin Burke; gift presenters, Siera Eschen and Sydni Larson; readers, Dale Bukowski and Marie Yackel; personal reflections were given by granddaughter, Anita Ebert; soloist, Jason Yackel singing "I Will Rise" and a vocal recording of "Daddy's Hands"; was played; and organist, Mary Walsh accompanying the singing of "Amazing Grace", "On Eagle's Wings", "Song of Farewell" and "How Great Thou Art." Burial was in St. James Cemetery. Visitation was on Monday, November 9, at St. James Catholic Church from 5-7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM and Rosary followed. Interment will be in St. James Catholic Cemetery in rural Dawson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for Catholic Aid Association or Minneapolis Children's Hospital. Theodore Charles Schmitt was born on July 14, 1916, to Michael and Elizabeth (Lanners) Schmitt in Omro Township of Yellow Medicine County in Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in the St. Leo Catholic Church. Ted was married to Gabriella (Gabe) Dhaene in St. Edwards Catholic Church in Minneota, MN, on October 22, 1941. Ted and Gabe were married for 68 years. He was a wonderful and devoted husband. Ted and Gabe began their lives together on a farm in rural Dawson with 160 acres. In 1945, they moved to the farm in rural Boyd, on which they raised their 12 children and worked together to increase their land to 480 acres. They stayed on their farm and spent countless hours with their growing family until Ted retired in 1980, and they moved to their home in Dawson. Ted still spent many hours returning to the fields and enjoying his passion for farming. He also worked for Archer Oil for many years. Family gatherings were always very important to Ted and Gabe. Their home and hearts had more than enough love for their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Each one held a special place in Ted's heart. Ted was active in his church as a Council member, usher, Eucharistic Minister, and initiator of Catholic Aid Society in the St. James Parish. He enjoyed bowling, woodworking, playing cards, shaking dice and spending time with friends. Ted passed away peacefully in the company of his family on Friday, November 6, 2009, at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Dawson at the age of 93 years, 3 months and 22 days. Ted is survived by his wife, Gabe of Dawson; and 11 children, 32 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren: *Carolyn (Larry) Drietz of Brandon, MN, and their family-Lisa (Tim) Burke and their children, Quinn, Gavin, and Madalyn Burke; Gina (Brad) Roberts and their children, Melissa (Korey) Kesteloot (and her children, Owen and Avery Kesteloot), Jerren, and Jessa Roberts; Cory (Chantelle) Drietz and their child, Conner Drietz; and, Greta (Todd) Hisken and their child, Grant Hisken. *Shirley (Tuna) Bukowski of Boyd, and their family-Allen (Melanie) Bukowski and their children, Emily and Hayden Bukowski; Dale (Seana) Bukowski and their children, Charles (Katie) Engen, and Savana Bukowski; Anita (Brett) Ebert and their children, Ethan and Blake Ebert; Mark (Julie) Bukowski and their children, Patrick, Trystan, and Jade Bukowski; and Kelly (Heath) Lacey and their children, Skyler Bakker, and Madyn Lacey. *Mike (Rosann) Schmitt of Marshall, and their family-Cheryl (John) Smith and their children, Zackery and Jordan Sterzinger; Melissa (Alan) Viaene and their children, Megan, Mariah, and Grace Viaene; Troy (Erica) Schmitt and their children, Nolan, Issac, and Parker Schmitt. *Leo Schmitt of Willmar. *Alice (Steve) Krantz of Tucson, AZ, and their family-Jodi Haakenson; and, Brent (Paulann) Haakenson and their children, Evan and Apryl Haakenson. *Dave Schmitt (Virginia Wilson-fiance) of Clarkfield, and his son-Ryan Schmitt (Krystal Mortenson-fianc�) and their children, Jadyn Schmitt and Riley Kockelman. *Andy (Jane) Schmitt of Boyd, and their family- Jamie (Cindy) Schmitt and their children, Zander and Jaeger Schmitt; Ranita, Brianna, Ashley, Brandon, and Austin Schmitt. *Rose (Mike) Collins of Montevideo, and their family-Chantel Bollig and her children, Austin and Zachariah Scott, and Siera Eschen; Melanie (Jason) Maloney and their children, Anabelle and Ashton Maloney. *Pat (Tim) Anderson of Montevideo, and their family-Stacey (Chuck) Broberg and their children, Terrell and Trinity Broberg; Wendy (Jason) Keenan and their children, Parker and Luke Keenan; and Brett Anderson (Amber Farrel-fiance). *Marie (Rick) Yackel of Ramsey, and their family-Jenny Yackel; Tammy (Fred) Barrett and their children, Taylor and Keegan Barrett; Brian (Michelle) Yackel and their son, Bryant Yackel; and, JasonYackel. *Judy (David) Larson of Ham Lake, and their family-Amanda Larson and her child, Sydni Larson; Kirsten (Kyle) Crow and their children, Dominik and Edyn Crow. Brothers: John (Mary) Schmitt of St. Leo and Willie (Gerry) Schmitt of Dawson; Sister Laura of Good Council in Mankato; In-laws: Liz Kloos, Lorraine Gagnon, and Felicia Dhaene; other family and many friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Duane; his parents, Michael and Elizabeth; 2 brothers: Arnold and Alphonse Schmitt; 3 sisters: Kate (Schmitt) Jelen, Cecilia Schmitt, and Susan (Schmitt) Kockelman; and, In-laws: Richard Dhaene, Edward Dhaene, Margaret and Theodore Homan, Jeanette and Joseph Bretscneider, Leo Kloos, Walter Gagnon, and Cyril Dhaene.