Phyllis Schmidt

Phyllis Schmidt, 90 of Bemidji, Minnesota passed away peacefully at Sanford Bagley Medical Center Friday November 27, 2020.

Phyllis Elaine Kopischke was born on October 9, 1930 at Leader, Minnesota to Henry A. and Violet (Johnson) Kopischke. She grew up in several small towns in Northern Minnesota where her father operated creameries. She moved with her family to Bemidji in her late teens where she was a flower arranger at the family owned Bemidji Florist and Greenhouse. She married Ralph Schmidt September 13, 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bemidji. She was an active church member singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and VBS, a member of Ladies Aid, LWML, bible study groups, youth group leader and the calling committee. She was known for making tasty, beautiful cakes, especially wedding cakes. Her grandchildren remember her always having cookies available when they went through the woods to Grandma’s house. She was an avid gardener, knitter, baker and crocheter. She enjoyed painting and was a wonderful hostess. Phyllis and Ralph cherished hosting the annual 4th of July family get together for over 40 years. She especially enjoyed old time music and dancing.

Phyllis survived by her daughters, Sandra (Vern) Holzhueter and Toni Whitney, both of Bemidji; grandchildren, Josie (Darren) Harper, Jenny (Matt) Haas, Lucas (Katie) Holzhueter and Beth (Isaiah) Hahn; great-grandchildren, Neo and Emily Harper, Lily Wattnem, Annabelle and Madelyn Haas, Natalie, Henry, and Isaac Holzhueter, and Martin Hahn; sister, Karen (Robert) Schley and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 64 years, Ralph, sisters, Betty Renstrom and Joan Fenske

An immediate family and close friends only service will be held Saturday December 5 at 10:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bemidji. Live feed will be available at https://www.facebook.com/robert.wentzel.79

Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, in Northern Township.