Mary Ann Schmidt

Mary Ann (Kalbler) Schmidt passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Edgewood Senior Living at the age of 91. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery in St. Paul at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Mary Ann Schmidt was born December 25, 1933, in South St. Paul, Minnesota. She was raised by Anna and Andrew Kalbler and lived on 1st Ave in South St. Paul. At a young age, she received her moniker "Chick or Chickie" as it was a joy of hers to feed and frolic with the chickens they raised in the backyard. An adventurous girl, she loved fishing with "Pa" and cooking and sewing with "Ma", and summer AND winter activities. She was a good ice skater and was even known to jump barrels! She was a very good student who attended school at St. Augustine's and graduated from South St Paul High in 1952.

After a bold move by one Don Schmidt on New Year’s Eve, they began dating and never looked back. Mary Ann and Don were engaged but the wedding had to wait as Don was drafted into the Army in 1954 where he served two years in Germany. While Don was away, Mary Ann worked in banking and also became a proficient bowler. The couple was married on November 10, 1956. They moved to western Minnesota and in 1959 son Mark and 1961 daughter Donna were born in Appleton, Minnesota. They moved to West St Paul, Minnesota and son Alan was born in 1964. That same year, they began building a home in a wonderful neighborhood in West St. Paul… a classic neighborhood where all the kids played together and all the parents socialized. Mary Ann was right at home and truly enjoyed the idea that every child knew every parent and every parent knew and looked after every child. She really enjoyed the summer holiday get togethers, especially the famous themed Fourth of July celebrations. She had quite a reputation as a pitcher at the annual 4th ballgame. She was pleased to raise her kids there and the friends made were with her the rest of her life.

In 1972-73, Mary Ann and Don purchased a lake lot near Alexandria, Minnesota on Lake Latoka and with their family, began building (by hand) "the Cabin." Over the years "The Cabin" expanded and grew into the home it is today. After their kids were grown and upon their retirements in 1992, they moved to their Golden Pond in 1993.

Retirement brought family visits, grandkids, gardening, golf, and always cooking. She was quite a good cook and baker and Don had no complaints! She and Don lived in their beloved Lake Latoka home until Don's passing Sept. 23, 2022. 66 grand years together, eternity now.

Mary Ann "Chick" Schmidt is survived by daughter, Donna (Randy Sanders); and sons, Al (Sheryl) and Mark (Trudy), 13 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her love of her husband and her family, her compassion for everyone, her deep faith in God and the Church, and a deep, real wish that everyone love one another. Her caring and guidance and love of laughter will live with us always.

Rest in peace great lady...join your soulmate in Heaven. Love forever