Emilie Schmidt, 27

Emilie Ann Schmidt, 27, Ozark, Alabama, formerly of Miltona, died Friday, December 24, 2010, at Rochester Methodist Hospital following a courageous battle with leukemia.

Emilie was born October 7, 1983 to John and Ruth Ann (Hanson) Schmidt in Marshall. She was baptized October 30 1983 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall. She attended grade school in Marshall before moving to Miltona with her family. She was confirmed in April of 1998 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie.

Emilie attended Parkers Prairie public schools, graduating in 2002. She attended Fergus Falls Community College and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and graduated summa cum laude from the Minnesota State University in Moorhead with a teaching degree in 2006.

She moved to Alabama, where she taught at Windhem Elementary School in Daleville from 2007-2008. She taught at Highland Elementary School in Dothan from 2008-2010, was nominated Teacher of the Year and received the Renaissance Reader and Masters Reading Teacher Awards.

Emilie spent the summer of 2010 at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham for treatment of leukemia. She returned to Rochester in October to be treated at the Mayo Clinic.

Emilie was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. She enjoyed teaching and was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide football fan. Her hobbies included camping, fishing, crafts, decorating for holidays and special occasions.

Emilie is survived by her parents, John and Ruth Ann Schmidt of Miltona; her fiancé, James “Buzzy” Jerkins of Ozark, Alabama; her pets, which were like children, Brittany and Tonya; sister, Amy (Paul) Weltin of Alexandria; brother, James (Heather) Andersen of New Ulm; grandmother, Dorothy Schmidt of Parkers Prairie; niece, Brynn Weltin; two nephews, Ian Weltin and Brandon Andersen; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Howard and Deloryce Hanson and paternal grandfather, Reinhart Schmidt.

Funeral services were held December 30 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with the Rev. Kathryn Rothman officiating. Music was provided by organist, Julie Lindgren. Burial was at St. Lucas Lutheran Cemetery in Cottonwood.

Pallbearers were her cousins, Jacob Zimmerli, Daniel Zimmerli, Joy Gahr, Jason Harstad, Ryan Harstad, Kevin Harstad, Alan Harstad, Johnathan Harstad, Tony Emrud, Marie Emrud, Christine Emrud and Emma Emrud.

Arrangements are with Lind Family Funeral and Cremation Service, www.lindfamilyfh.com.

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