Dennis Funeral Homes

RENA L. SCHMIDT, age 80 of Waseca, died on Friday, December 17, 2010 at the Waterville Good Samaritan Center.

Born on April 17, 1930 in New Richland, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Gerhard and Annette “Nettie” (Gehring) Johnson.  She attended Steele County School District #72 in Lemond Township before graduating from Owatonna High School.  Rena was baptized and confirmed at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Steele County.  On September 9, 1951, Rena married Norman Schmidt at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church.  Together they lived and farmed in Otisco Township, Waseca County until moving to Waseca in 1991. Rena also worked at the E.F. Johnson Co., Bird’s Eye, and most recently at the Senior Center workroom all in Waseca.  She enjoyed vacationing in Branson, going out to eat with friends and relatives, going to the casino, and watching Daniel O’Donnell.

She is survived by two daughters, Deb and her husband Gary Dobberstein of Waseca and Peggy and her husband Tom Greeley of Mankato; five grandchildren, Cody and Megan Dobberstein and Andrew, Matthew and Nathan Greeley.  She is also survived by her sisters, Gail (Burnell) Johnson and Norma (Dick) Hegal both of Blooming Prairie; her brothers, Gary (Judy) Johnson of Owatonna and Ron (Nancy) Johnson of Minneapolis; her sisters-in-law, Arlene Peterson of Waseca and Hilda Schmidt of Owatonna; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers-in-law, Norbert Schmidt and Lloyd Peterson.

Visitation will be held at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca on Sunday, December 19, 2010 from 2-5 PM and continue on Monday, one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 20, 2010 at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Steve Bohling officiating.  Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.