Clair E. Schmidt

Clair E. Schmidt, Age 89 of Winnebago, went to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 9, 2017.  He died at Oaklawn Health Care Facility in Mankato. Funeral Service will be at 11 AM on Saturday, December 16, 2017 with visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at First Baptist Church in Winnebago. Service will be conducted by Reverend Daren Barnett.  Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery, in Winnebago. Clair was born to Joseph Routier and Opal Schmidt, on February 19, 1928 in Chamberlain, SD.  He later moved to Idaho. At age 16, Clair returned to SD via bicycle, with many adventures along the way. Clair joined the Army in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1950. He served in Germany and Austria. While in Austria, he met and married Friedericka Luger on December 6, 1948, to this union there were 3 children, Rosie, Ronnie and Ralph. Clair and Frieda lived in Winnebago until they divorced in 1958. He married Ruth Keech and lived in Plymouth, IA for many years. Clair and Ruth operated several restaurants and cafes from 1960-1968. Clair then operated a used oil service called S&S Dust Control for many years. Clair and Ruth enjoyed taking trips, visiting family and hosting family. They later moved to Winnebago.  After Ruth passed away, Clair continued to enjoy visiting family.  He also enjoyed reading, dancing, listening to and playing music.      Clair is survived by his daughter,  Rosie (Dwayne) Mortenson of Winnebago; sons, Ron (Donna) Schmidt of North Mankato and Ralph Schmidt of Mankato; grandchildren, Jeff Mortenson, Matt Mortenson, Ryan Schmidt, Brie (George) Ambelang, Christopher “Chris” Schmidt, Mathew “Mat” Schmidt;  many great and great-great grandchildren; brother, Chuck Routier; sisters, Jaunita Hopp, Carrie (Brian) Jacobsen; sisters-in-law, Edith, Lois, Margaret, Charlotte and Delores Osborn; and numerous nieces and nephews. Clair is preceded in death by both of his wives, step-father, John Osborn; mother, Opal Osborn; brothers, Luverne Routier, William “Bill”, Walter “Wad”, Richard “Wayne”, Ronald “Ronnie” and Lewis Osborn; sister, Joanne (Archie) Beasley; sister-in-law, Evie Osborn; brother-in-law, John Hopp. Memorials are preferred to Interfaith Caregivers, Blue Earth, or a charity of your choice.  Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Spencer-Owen Funeral Home in Winnebago.  www.SpencerOwen.com