Susan Jane Schmidt

Susan Jane Schmidt, age 85, of Alexandria, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, at Grand Arbor in Alexandria.

Susan was born on November 21, 1940, in Alexandria, Minnesota, to Orville and Ferne (Paulso) Loseth. She graduated from Central High School in 1958. In 1961, she married Harvey Mickelson, and they were blessed with one son, Mark. Susan was a devoted mother and was very proud of her son and all of his accomplishments.

Susan worked a variety of jobs throughout her life. She worked as a waitress at the Coffee Pot and one of her favorite jobs was working at the Western Shop, where she made many fond memories. She later worked in the electronics department at KMart before she retired. Susan also helped organize the Horseman Holiday Trail Ride, an activity that combined two of her greatest interests: horses and the outdoors.

Susan had a lifelong love of horses, especially Appaloosas. She raised and bred Appaloosa horses and enjoyed showing them. One of her favorite memories was traveling to an Appaloosa horse show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her son, Mark, where they brought home several awards.

Susan was a big sports fan and especially enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. She was also an avid reader and could often be found with a good book. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church.

Following Harvey’s passing, Susan married Sylvester Schmidt Sr. on November 1, 1979. Sylvester had 12 children, along with Susan’s son Mark, they were affectionately known as the “Baker’s Dozen.” Susan cherished her relationship with her son and stepchildren and took great pride in them. She especially enjoyed Thursday coffee gatherings at her home with her stepchildren and loved hearing about what was happening in the lives of her step-grandchildren. Family was very important to Susan, and she treasured the time she was able to spend with them.

Susan will be remembered for her love of horses, family, sports, reading, and the many friendships she built throughout her life. She leaves behind many cherished memories that will remain with her family and friends for years to come.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Grand Arbor Community Center in Alexandria. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Susan is survived by her children, Mark Mickelson of Princeton, Minnesota, Sylvester (Bev) Schmidt Jr, Sandie (Steve) Serba, Steve (Lavern) Schmidt, Stan (Cindy) Schmidt, Stu (Deb) Schmidt, Sid Schmidt (Angie), Shane (Vickie) Schmidt, Sue (Terry) Emter, Sterling Schmidt, Sheila (Brian) Fultz, all of Alexandria, and Mark Mickelson of Princeton; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Sylvester Schmidt Sr., brothers John and Bill Loseth, her sister Mary Anderson, children, Sheldon Schmidt; and Shirley Wogan, and her great granddaughter Mila Grace Schmidt.