Obituary for Harley Henry Schmitt

Harley Henry Schmitt, 92, died Monday, December 11th. He was born on June 13,1931, at home, in Long Lake, SD.Harley grew up helping out on the family farm. He graduated from Eureka High School and then went on to earn a BA from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa in 1953, a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa in 1957, and a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN in 1989.

Harley served 5 churches: Zion Lutheran in Atalissa, IA, Our Redeemer Lutheran in West Liberty, IA,Redeemer Lutheran in Estherville, IA, Brooklyn Park Lutheran in Brooklyn Park, MN and lastly, Redeemer Lutheran in Fridley, Minnesota where he retired at the age of 88.

Harley also authored three books, Many Gifts, One Lord, The Ultimate Intimacy, and Real Living; and wrote various materials to equip people for ministry. He served on the Board of the International Lutheran Renewal Center and as Chairman of the Board of Bible Faith Lutheran Church of India. He also taught at the Lay Ministry Center in Roseville, MN.

Harley had a passion for preaching, teaching, prayer, and helping others. He loved music. Over the years he played the baritone, guitar, ukulele, bass, and harmonica. He enjoyed fixing things, building, hunting, traveling, and spending time with family.

Harley is survived by Beverly Schmitt, wife of 66 years; children, Christa (Bruce) Rimmereid, Beth (Kevin) Schmitt-Anderson, Nathan (Caryn) Schmitt, and daughter-in-law Linda Schmitt; along with 8 grandchildren: Peter (Janelle) Rimmereid, Heather (Tom) Kopietz, Kendra (Dan) Rimmereid-Struck, Daniel Rimmereid, Christopher Pham, Elizabeth (Mark) Andrews, Summer (Tim) Winger, Hunter Schmitt; and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Schmitt.

Visitation is 5-7 PM Monday, December 18 at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 6000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center and 1 hour prior to 11 AM Funeral Service Tuesday, December 19, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 61 Mississippi Street NE, Fridley.