Frederick E. "Fred" Schmidtke

Frederick E. “Fred” Schmidtke, age 87 of Farmington, MN passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at his home following a brief illness, surrounded by his family.

Frederick Ernest, the son of Ernest and Lila (Juenke) Schmidtke was born on July 19, 1937 in Farmington, MN. He attended Farmington High School and graduated with the class of 1956. Following High School, Fred served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged in 1961. On May 19, 1962 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Schmitz at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Northfield, MN. Fred began his working career at Dispatch Oven in Lakeville, MN and in 1972 purchased the Mobil gas station in Farmington and started Fred’s Mobil which he operated until 1986 when it was sold. He then worked at Burnsville Honda in the parts department until his retirement. Fred enjoyed deer hunting, working on his vintage Thunderbirds, racing, building demolition derby cars and especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Schmidtke of Farmington, MN; by his children, Jeffrey (Teresa) Schmidtke of Farmington, MN and Sara (Nate) Enwall of Elko New Market, MN; by seven grandchildren, Shelby and Cindy Schmidtke, Cece, Carina, Francesca (Alex Kopp) and Alberto Zenti and Abel Enwall; by one step grandson, Shannon Schmidtke; by his brother, Lyle Schmidtke of Farmington, MN, and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Dr. Jodi Zenti, his brother, Dale (Arlene) Schmidtke, by three sisters, Sandra Schmidtke, Emily (Edmund) Olson and Pearl (Gale) Shirley and by his sister-in-law, Peggy Schmidtke. 

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Farmington, MN with Fr. Nick Froehle, officiating. Interment will be held at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Farmington. 

Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault, MN.