Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Lavon Schmidt, 93, of St. Cloud, who passed away peacefully Jan. 6, 2024, at St. Benedict Homes. The Rev. Jeremy Ploof will officiate and burial will be at Assumption Cemetery. Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in St. Cloud.
Lavon was born Feb. 20, 1930, in St. Cloud to Sylvester and Katherine (Popp) Kowitz. She married James L. Rau Dec. 29, 1949, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. James Rau passed away. On Feb. 1, 1979, she married James Schmidt at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Lavon was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and was a member and past president of the Christian Women. She worked as a salesperson at the Vogue Shoppe and was the president of the family business, SE Kowitz Inc. after James passed away.
Lavon loved bowling and was a member of the 600 Club, she was also an excellent bridge player. She loved to travel and spend time at the family cabin. Her family held a special place in her heart, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Lavon is survived by her children James (Sandy) Rau of Rice and Chuck (Darlene) Rau of Rice; siblings Elaine Jacobs of Eden Prairie and Julie (Larry) Murphy of Moorhead; grandchildren Jaime (Andy) Dahmes and Leslie (Dan) Kirscht; great grandchildren Cadence Dahmes, Addison Dahmes, Gunner Dahmes, Ella Kirscht, Sarah Kirscht and Lydia Kirscht.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands James Rau and James Schmidt, and companion Earl Kaeter.
Lavon’s family would like to thank Centra Care and St. Benedict Homes for their care of Lavon and her family.
Lavon’s family would like to thank Centra Care Hospice and St. Benedict Homes for their care of Lavon and her family.
R-2-1B
