Frederick A. Schmidt

Schmidt Frederick A., age 92, former manager of music organizations and director of public functions at St. Olaf College, died Wednesday, May 29, 2002 in Northfield, MN. Schmidt attended Northfield public schools, graduated from St. Olaf College in 1931 and earned his master's degree from the University of Iowa. While at St. Olaf, he sang in the St. Olaf Choir and participated in the Choir's 1930 European concert tour. He was also an outstanding collegiate swimmer, undefeated in four years of intercollegiate competition. In 1935 he married Lenore Swanson. Schmidt taught school in Shawano and New Richmond, WI; Austin, MN and was music department chair at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. In 1948 he returned to St. Olaf Colleg as a full professor to take over the music management position held for more than four decades by his father, Dr. P.G. Schmidt. Those responsibilities included management of the St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf Orchestra and the St. Olaf Band. Schmidt was also director of public functions and coordinated such events as Opening Convocation, Homecoming, Founder's Day, Honor's Day, Baccalaureate and Commencement. He managed the distribution of St. Olaf Christmas Festival tickets with fairness and good humor, even when the demand outstripped availability. He retired from St. Olaf in 1972 after 24 years of service. Fred Schmidt gave dedicated service to St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield. He was chair of the worship and arts committee, a member of the Board of Deacons and the outreach programs. He re-established St. John's adult choir in 1950 & was its director for 20 years. On retirement from St. Olaf, Schmidt developed and expanded his work as a travel agent amd agency owner, becoming on of the nation's specialists in the planning of concert tours for high school, college and church music ensembles. He received numerous letters from conductors and students expressing their gratitude for their superb experiences. Schmidt was preceded in death by his parents, Paul G. and Sophie Schmidt; his wife, Lenore; brother, Dr. Paul G. Schmidt II: and sisters, Dorothy Galloway and Gertrude Bowers. He is survived by his son, David, daughter-in-law Patricia and grandson, Ryan of Tacoma, WA; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service 11:00 A.M. Monday June 3, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Northfield. Visitation 4-7 PM Sunday at Benson & Langehough Funeral Home and 1 hour before service at church. (507) 645-5123

Published on June 2, 2002