Eldon Charles Schmitt, 94, of Albert Lea, passed peacefully into the Lord’s arms surrounded by family on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea.

Eldon was born Aug. 14, 1925, to Hannah and William Schmitt on the family farm near Twin Lakes. He was the fifth of eight children. He grew up working on the family farm. He enjoyed hiking, trapping and fishing.

Eldon attended school in Nunda Township and Emmons High School, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1943. He joined the Navy before his 18th birthday in 1943 as one of the five brothers and one sister who all served in the Navy during World War II. He spent most of his overseas service in the Philippine Islands as a Pharmacist’s Mate II Class on the PGM-11 as they anticipated an invasion of Japan. He was honorably discharged following the surrender of Japan in 1946.

Eldon attended Minneapolis Business College after returning home, earning a degree in business management. He started his career at Kleinpaste Implement in Albert Lea in 1950 and soon after married Mary Gulbrandson from Emmons. They had five children: Susan, Mark, John, Paul and Karen. Eldon was co-owner of Worth County Implement in Northwood for several years and then started his own bookkeeping and accounting business in Albert Lea, which he operated for over 40 years.  In retirement, Eldon worked for Arends & Associates and considered this a highlight of his career.

Eldon later married Delores Wilson of Mason City. Dee had four children with the youngest daughter Twyla, living at home when they were married. “Dee” passed away in 1983. After Eldon’s mother passed away in 1993, he purchased the family homeplace and acreage near Twin Lakes.

In 2011, he moved to the Village Co-Op in Albert Lea, where he made many good friends. As his health declined, he lived at Hidden Creek and then at the Good Samaritan Society nursing home. The staff at Hidden Creek and Good Samaritan cared for and loved Eldon. The family is deeply appreciative of the care they gave to Eldon during his final days.

He is survived by his children Susan (Roger) Ferguson of Mesa, Arizona, John (Alise) Schmitt of Marysville, Washington, Paul (Barbara) Schmitt of Albert Lea, Karen (Diana) Schmitt of Blaine, and Twyla Barnes Tindall of Nashville, Tennessee; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Verlys Huntley of Emmons; and brother, William “Bill” Schmitt of Albert Lea.

Eldon was preceded in death by his wife, Delores; son, Mark; parents, William and Hannah; four brothers, Luverne, Melvin, Donald and Delmar; and sister, Wilma.

Eldon was an active, lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. He was also a lifelong member in the American Legion and VFW, including serving as Albert Lea VFW Post commander and leading the local military Honor Guard for many years.

He is remembered for his love of Christ, being a loving  husband and father, positive attitude, unwavering patriotism and kindness to everyone he met. He had an amazing memory about the people in the area and the history of the Albert Lea and surrounding communities.

Memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church of Albert Lea or to the Parkinson’s Foundation. A memorial service is planned for June 20, with details to be announced later.