Grace Vivian Schmidt entered her eternal home August 6, 2008 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman, South Dakota. She was born October 6, 1919. She died August 6, 2008 at the age of 88 years and 9 months. As an infant several weeks old she was welcomed into the home of Gerhard G. and Emma Schmidt. She grew up enjoying the farm life in the Marion-Freeman area with her adoptive parents and older brothers.
Grace was baptized by Rev.Albert Claassen upon her confession of faith at the Salem Zion Mennonite Church on October 4, 1936 at 17 years of age where she remained a faithful member.
Grace received her early education in District 92 in Turner County, South Dakota. After eighth grade graduation she remained at home on the farm where she enjoyed gardening, especially her many flowers.
Grace was a devoted person to her family. She cared for her nephew, Douglas during his early childhood. She was the primary caregiver for her mother and her father when they were older and then continued this caregiving for her Uncle Andrew Kaufman and her older brother Howard. Grace loved her nieces and nephews and enjoyed babysitting with them. Whenever anyone was invited for a meal, they knew they would be in for a real treat with her baking, cooking, and hospitality.
During the winter months especially, she was either planning and sewing a quilt or had a quilt on a frame for quilting. When visiting Grace, it didn't take very long for her to tell interesting stories about family events or family lineage. Grace is survived by her sister-in-law, Elsie Schmidt, nieces Marlys (Wendell) Sheriff, Erna Jean Schmidt; niece-in-law Saundra (Douglas) Schmidt; nephews Leslie Schrag, Merton (Sharon) Schmidt, Kenny (Elaine) Schmidt, Orlin (Kathy) Schmidt, Jay (Sharon) Schmidt, Jeff Schmidt, six grand nieces and eleven grand nephews; and a special friend, Lillian Glanzer.
Family member who preceded Grace in death were her parents, on sister Elenora (Elie), five brothers: Leander, Theodore, Howard, Alfred (Melva) and Aaron; and one nephew, Douglas.