Matthew Schellsmidt

Matthew Schellsmidt

Matthew Peter Schellsmidt, age 59, of Caledonia, MN entered his eternal rest November 29, 2020. A private family viewing was held Monday, December 7 at McCormick’s Funeral Home, followed by a military burial at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN.

As Matt was a distinguished member and veteran of the USMC, in lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Veteran’s Administration, The Wounded Warrior Project or other veterans charities in his memory.

Matt was born in rural Caledonia January 30, 1961. He was a wrestler and football player while attending high school and graduated from Caledonia High School in 1979. Matt joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) June 28, 1979. He retired from the military with the rank of Sergeant June 30, 1999, having traveled the world and receiving several distinguished medals.

Matt returned to Caledonia after his retirement and opened a boxing gymnasium for local youth. He used his experience as a boxer in the USMC to give back to his community and traveled to Rochester, MN with students for boxing matches.

Matt was also a nurse at Gundersen Hospital. He was a caring and giving person and loved all of his patients. Matt also loved woodworking, gardening, fishing and spending time with family.

Matt was a beloved son, brother and uncle. He is survived by his parents, Evangeline Schellsmidt and Robert Schellsmidt, both of Caledonia; his brothers: Steve of LaCrescent, MN, Pat (Wanda) of Lansing, Tom of Caledonia, Daniel of Lawrenceville, GA and James (Steffanie) of Caledonia; his sisters: Shirley (Arnold) Zezulka of Dorchester, Judy Schellsmidt of Onalaska, WI, Kristy Benrud of Holmen, WI, Barbara (Jose) Gomez of Calhoun, GA and Connie (Jason) De’Arvil of Dixon, IL; a stepdaughter, Crystal (Seneca) Collier of Grayson, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents; several aunts and uncles; a brother-in-law, Darrel Benrud; and a nephew, Jared Mahr.

Memories are a way we hold on to the ones we love. Matt loved being a Marine and was known to shout “Semper Fi” proudly. Rest in peace. The Few. The Proud. The Marines.