WINNEBAGO — Clair E. Schmidt, age 89, went to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Oaklawn Health Care facility in Mankato. A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. 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, Winnebago.

Clair was born Feb. 19, 1928, in Chamberlain, S.D., to Joseph Routier and Opal Schmidt. He later moved to Idaho. At age 16, Clair returned to S.D. via bicycle, with many adventures along the way.

Clair joined the U.S. 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 Dec. 6, 1948, and to this union there were three children, Rosie, Ronnie and Ralph.

Clair and Frieda lived in Winnebago until they divorced in 1958.

He married Ruth Keech and lived in Plymouth, Iowa, 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 was preceded in death by both his wives; stepfather, 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; and 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

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