Jonathan William Schmidt, of Prior Lake, passed away unexpectedly June 29, 2020 at the age of 50. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE) in Prior Lake. Visitors must wear face masks and are required to practice social distancing.
A service will be held at 6:00 PM. As an alternative, family and friends are invited to stream the service at the following link: Jon’s Funeral Service (Meeting ID: 949 7393 7447 – Password: 854171). Pastor Diana Hunstad will preside, and Jon’s sons will act as urn bearers.
On December 6, 1969, Curt & Deb Schmidt celebrated the birth of their son, Jonathan William Schmidt. Jon was one of three boys, and he loved growing up in Prior Lake with his brothers, Benjamin and Jacob. As a boy, Jon excelled at all sports. He was especially talented on the football field. After graduating from Prior Lake High School in 1988, Jon attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. He was a very social guy and made lots of friends. Jon played football at Gustavus and was a member of the Reds Fraternity. He cherished his fraternity brothers and these friendships remained important throughout his life. Jon earned his bachelor’s degree in 1992.
Jon was always motivated to succeed. He began working in sales right out of college, and he never looked back. His outgoing and charismatic personality served him well in business. Jon spent most of his career working in the IT Security industry.
In 2002, Jon married Kristin Johnson. Their marriage was blessed with two wonderful sons, twin boys, Zackary and William. Eventually Jon and Kristin went their separate ways, but they continued to be loving parents to their boys. Jon considered Zack & Will to be his greatest achievements in life. When the boys were young, he loved coaching their sports teams and in later years he was their number one fan.
Jon was passionate about travel; he especially loved visiting new beach destinations. He was an avid scuba diver and never missed a chance to explore under the sea. Jon also loved socializing with the locals. He was so outgoing and made friends everywhere he went.
Jon was a compassionate and loving man. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Jon will live on in the hearts of his sons, Zackary and William and their mother, Kristin Schmidt; mother, Deb Schmidt (Paul Saba); father, Curt Schmidt; siblings, Benjamin (Vanessa) Schmidt and Jacob Schmidt (Melisa Siimon); grandmas, Arlene Schmidt and Jeanne Conrady; nieces & nephews, Josef, Anikah, Bodie, Bailey, Daphne, Autumn and CJ; other loving relatives and many friends. Jon was greeted in Heaven by his grandpas, Butch Schmidt and Harold Conrady.
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Doug and Chris Berg
Extreme sadness. Beautiful person. Biggest heart. So many memories. He will be missed. Love and hugs to all. As he would say….no words-Love.
Roni Heyda
Deb, Ben, Jake and the Schmidt family,
I have no words to make this better. I’m so sorry. Please know that I’m thinking of you all and sending peace and comforting thoughts your way. I’ll always remember Jon’s smile.
Roni
Beth Oslund
Jon was one of the first people I met in Prior Lake through our boys playing baseball. He was warm and welcoming and had a great sense of humor. Deepest sympathy to you all.
Dave & Lori Heinz
To the Curt Schmidt Family,
Deeply shocked & saddened by Jon’s passing. He will always be remembered by his bright smile. May you find peace & comfort during this difficult time. Prayers & thoughts are with you.
Mary Klingberg
So sorry to hear this RIP
Shawn M Sabol
Sad day Schmidty….had alot of fun times with you! RIP Brother
Joe and Kim Benedict
We were so very sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. He was a great guy. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Kim Benedict
Doug Mostrom
To Jon’s entire family – To many of us at Gustavus, Jon was a great friend, fraternity brother and an overall generally fun person. But, his life before and after Gustavus is what truly defined him and the person you knew him to be and the person you will miss.
My heart breaks for each of you as losing such a vibrate, caring and generous family member has to be more difficult than almost anything else imaginable. Please remember during these difficult times that Jon had a huge, overreaching, positive impact on so many during his short time on earth and will undoubtedly be welcomed with open arms by God and everyone that went to heaven before him and will continue doing what he did best up there. He will look over you all, keep you safe and drop you signs that he is OK. Hopefully, that will help you be at peace.
Sincerely,
Doug
Tanya Velishek
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Cj Schmidt
I love you uncle!❤️
Mike Tousignant
I just recently reconnected with one of my childhood best friends. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Deeply saddened!
Chris Slater
Heartbreaking news. Hard to find another guy as nice as Jon. Fortunate to have worked with him for a decade. Condolences to the family and especially his sons. He used to brag about you two all the time. It’s about the only time he bragged about anything. Love ya Schmidty.
Pat Tousignant
I have great memories of Jon growing up. My prayers are with the entire Schmidt family. I so sorry for your loss.
Bradley Bodeker
so many memories. Sorry to see you go, old friend. My heartfelt wishes to the family. He was an awesome person.
Andy Voorhees
Jon was Mr. Entertainment in college and I have many great memories of him. I got to catch up with him last year and talk about the good old days, family and life after Gustavus. He definitely was a proud dad! I my condolences to Jon’s family and friends.
Randy Enger
Johnny you may have passed but Memories will Last Forever. “
Wade Shanahan
Two questions from a movie that come to mind for me. Did you find joy in this world? Did you bring joy to others? I would say like no other! Life is short old buddy, we will see ya soon!
Tom St. Peter
Very sad news. Jon was one of the nicest guys I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Always had a smile on his face. The world’s a darker place without Jon in it. My condolences to the Schmidt family. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark Irving
Mark Irving
Speechless as John was my first boss, I was a Jockey from the UK and a horse spill at Canterbury Park sidelined me for a year John gave me a chance at his company In sales at Candor Systems, I will always be grateful of his kind nature and he was so inspiring with his attitude and zest for life. RIP mate.
John McElwee
Everyone loved Schmitty, love you man. Condolences to the family.
Bob Bassett
This is terribly heartbreaking news. Schmidty made me laugh at the most inopportune times and found great sport in that. I will be forever grateful for the laughs and memories we shared. My heart goes out to the Schmidt family. Jon left us all way too early. God bless.
Angie Smaza (Bauman)
I remember Jon fondly from high school. May he rest peacefully. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
Willie Terreau
I worked with Jon for about 10 years. Loved talking with him always fun and upbeat. He was so proud of his boys. Gone to soon.
BOB HERMAN
Jon was one of a kind. Happy trails Schmidty. Condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones he leaves behind.
Tiki Iverson
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers to all of you!
Jodi Bianchi
John in heaven , I never had the chance to meet you but I do know one of you twin sons Zach very well. When he is at our house he is always so polite, happy , smiling and he is a great friend to many! Be Proud of him! You and Kristin did a great job! Rest In Peace!
Travis Cooper
My condolences. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Sean Callahan
This is a blow and I have no adequate words. All I know is when I think of you it brings a smile and fond memories. Whether it was on the football field, on the court, landscaping with the boys, in the Schmidt pool or at PLHS you always made it a better place to be. I love you, miss you and will always remember you. Rest in God’s eternal peace my Brother.
Cal
Your Woodrow
Hip
Curt ,Deb, Ben, and Jake my sympathy on Jon’s passing. Curt those 3 boys of yours ….. great kids …again sorry. HIP And SCOT
Heidi Mohr
My sincere deepest condolences to all family and friends
Wendy Osterberg
I am so sorry. Jon and I graduated the same year at Gustavus. He is seared into so many of my favorite memories from college. I remember years after college learning of his post college success and I thought: “of course.” He was that guy you knew would change the world. He was truly a wonderful man. Sending love and healing to his family. ❤
Dan Shea
Jon was a great friend and person. Would do anything for anyone. Had the privilege working with him for 11 years and have so many great memories of those years. He was a very proud father and loved to talk about the boys sports teams. My condolences to the Schmidt family. Love ya Jon.
Tammy Hafermann
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jon! Jon and I graduated together and I remember him being so enerfetic, fun, passionate and all around wonderful man! My condolences go out to all his family and friends. Gone too soon! Rest in Peace Jon!
Mike McDonald
Jon was full of passion. He had a huge heart. He lived more in 50 years than most who live 90 years. He dearly loved his sons and was incredibly proud of them. He understood the humanity in all of us, and, in himself. He was not judgmental or narrow-minded. Jon was an incredibly unique and special man. His life is reminiscent of the journey of Odysseus and like Odysseus he has found his Ithaca; he is home and at peace.
Tracy Affield
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Jon. It was extremely hard to hear about!
Steve and Pat Schmidt
Jon was one of a kind, he was full of love and kindness and always up for a little mischief. We have so many great memories. A dear nephew he will be missed by all. With broken hearts we send love and hugs to all.
Steve and Pat and family
Andy Olson
Jon was an incredible athlete and an all-around nice guy. I’m very sorry to see him go.
Rob and Becka Legler
Jonny was such a kind and loving nephew. He was a joy to be around and had a way of making everyone feel special. Jonny’s joy will forever be with us.
Love the Legler family
Julie Haglund
Zach and Will, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Thinking of you and you mom and sending comforting prayers your way. Big hugs to you all.
Amy Stocker
I am so sorry to hear this about Jon! Jon was always the guy with a smile on his face, no matter what was going on. He saw the good in others. He was a good friend and Kristin was good for him. They had their twin boys! Even though they were no longer together, those boys knew they were priority. He will be missed . Keeping your family in our prayers and thoughts.
Doug Wilton
I owe a lot to Jon. He took me under his wing when I was a freshman at Gustavus and he was a senior. God, he was so much fun to be around! As a kid from California, I didn’t know much about Minnesota. He taught me how to hunt, he took me ice fishing, he hooked me up with summer jobs, and he let me stay at his place whenever I needed or wanted to.
It’s hard to sum up a life, but I know he deeply cared about his family and friends. He would text me pictures of Zack and Wills’ milestones, pictures of them fishing, wake-boarding, and playing hockey and basketball. When Kristin’s dad died, he reached out to my wife, Amy, and me to let us know, and to call her and cheer her up. He would call with heartfelt messages on birthdays, celebratory occasions, and tragedies. There are too many examples to list them all. Behind his Harley riding, loud whistling, Hank Williams Jr. singing and “Werewolves of London” howling exterior, he was a kind, sensitive, and loving man… Curt and Deb, you raised a remarkable man.
Schmidty was also a magnetic leader. In addition to his professional successes, he was King Shit of his Reds class…a brutally tough position that no one wants…ever!, and later the president of the fraternity. He led and we all followed him, knowing that it was going to be a fun adventure!
Schmidty loved his brothers, Ben and Jake, and he also called many of his friends “brothers.”
I will miss you, my brother! Your enthusiasm for life will always remind me to have fun, make a game out of everything, and love my family and friends.
My heart felt condolences to the Schmidt family.
Tara Frana
Hi Doug. I thought of you immediately when I heard about Jon. I am so sorry for your loss and everyone’s! Your words are priceless and there are so many great memories. I hope that you and your family are doing well. Take care!
Billy Gabler
Fun read Doug…Schmitty was all of that in HS too, smart, athletic, charismatic, and a natural leader.
Jill Boeser
No words can tell you how sad we are to lose a great classmate. He used to call me Jillybean (one of the very few). Even though I haven’t seen him in a while I know how much he loved his friends and family. He will be truly missed.
Andrea (Busse) Gates
My deepest condolences, may God bring you peace and comfort during this painful time.
The Duebers
We are so sorry to hear the news of Jon. His entire family is in our hearts and prayers. Jon was always so friendly and genuinely happy to see us and say hello. He was clearly an incredibly proud dad and his boys’ biggest fan out on the ice, field, (and court we presume!). May his kind soul rest in peace.
Vernon "Joe" Hess
So sorry to hear the very sad news. I did not know Jon, but his smile reflects all of the Schmidt family members I do know. I hope that his family finds comfort from each others’ love and support as they process his passing. Continual reminders of all the fun and good memories may ease the pain.
From the V. Joe Hess family – our sincere and deepest condolences to all the people who knew and loved Jon.
We appreciate that we can attend his service virtually on Tuesday at 6:00 pm.
Rob and Jager Leverson
Rest In Peace- Prayer’s to both Will and Zach- great young men!
Christina Preston
Schmidt family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jon’s passing. Thinking of you in this difficult time.
Amy Hallberg
Jon was in many of my classes from elementary school through graduation. I remember him as wicked smart, incredibly popular, and genuinely kind. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends on his passing.
Jennifer (Ryan) Cooper
I am truly sorry for your loss. I have such great memories of your fourth of July pool parties. Jon was the oldest and bravest of us. He was always the, wild, ring leader of the fun. I still remember coming home from a cabin trip (Villar?) our families stopping at McDonald’s, and Kate and I were astounded that the Schmidt boys could eat more than one hamburger. Jon will be missed but the smiles, good times and love for him will always remain!
John Trulson
So sorry for your loss ! Schmidty was a great man and a good friend of my son David – also a friend of mine. I’m sure they are giving each other a lot of hugs when they meet up in heaven!
The Anderson’s
Kristin , Zach & Will
We are so sorry for your loss ……
You are in our thoughts & prayers
Derek and Missy Johns
To the family of Jon,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jon was one of the sweetest (and funniest) guys we knew at Gustavus and we have great memories of him. He will be missed by many and we are praying for your family.
Sincerely,
Derek and Missy Johns
Diane Gerdes
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers to all of you during this very sad time.
Kathy Hynes
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of when he watched my kids and would cut through the yard to get home.
Judi Dahl
I am so sorry for the lose of this young man. He spent a lot of time With our family and so many memories.
Lee spent time with the boys teaching them from trapping….gun safety & hunting trips…snow mobiles, 3 wheelers, camping trip with our family… O yes, a couple scares to prove it all.
Rest In Peace my friend. I will miss all your trick phone calls.
Love Mom Judi
Amanda Kasten
So sorry for your loss, lots of good memories of him when I was a kid. Especially my Dad (Kurt Kasten) fixing his truck…. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Tony Genelin
Tony St. Peter
My Deepest Sympathy.
Dam!! I love you Schmidty, and to all I meet through this GREAT man!! May God bless you and your family’s.
Ski Brother Yah, Yah! ♥️
Traci Larson
Kristin, Zack and Will
We are all so sorry to hear of Johns passing. It is heartbreaking he was so young. Hugs to you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Chad , Traci and Wyatt Larson
Jim Hilliard
Although I did not know Jon personally, I know both Curt and Deb and wish to pass on to them and their family my deepest condolences. I can only imagine how sad and painful it must be to lose a child. Please be strong and stay safe through this tragedy. My prayers are with you.
Kari Truax
Deb, Curt, Zack, Will and Family –
I am so incredibly sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. In the year that he lived with me – you all were the highlight of his conversations and memories from his childhood. Oh how he loved his boys. Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers.