Marion Rita (Stocco) Schmidt was born July 2, 1930, in Minneapolis to Italian immigrants, Giuditta and Giordano Stocco. Marion’s life was marked by an insatiable curiosity and lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
Visitation Friday, July 25, 2025, from 10-11 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., all at Church of St. Wenceslaus, 215 Main Street East, in New Prague. Livestream can be viewed on npcatholic.org
Pallbearers are Chad Lukkes, Michael Bischoff, Sam Rosenbaum, Thomas Trombley, Kurt Kaufman, Edward Trombley, Kaden Lukkes, and Xavier Kuczynski.
Luncheon will follow Mass and will be held at The Park Ballroom American Legion Post 45, 300 Lexington Ave S., New Prague. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, on Tuesday, July 29, 11 a.m. Participants should meet at Assembly Area 4 by 10:45 a.m..
A 1948 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, Marion’s passion for learning and her interest in the world and its people remained with her throughout her life. She was known for always having a book, sometimes two or three at hand.
In 1949, Marion married Robert Schmidt, a World War II Navy veteran, at St. Helena’s Catholic Church in South Minneapolis. Together, Marion and Robert, affectionately known as “Bob,” established their home in the Lake Nokomis area of Minneapolis, where they raised their four daughters. In 1968, they relocated to rural Shakopee, where they built a home on a ten-acre hobby farm.
Marion was known for her industrious nature. She held positions at General Mills, Sundance Medical Clinic, and later, Scott County Child Support. In addition to her professional endeavors, Marion dedicated 20 years to the Louisville Township Board, frequently serving as its chairperson.
Her commitment to service extended to her community, where she volunteered as an election judge, school aide, Loaves and Fishes volunteer, instructor at Shakopee Women’s Prison, and a long-time volunteer at the Minneapolis International Airport USO Welcome Center.
Marion found joy in baking, gardening, and canning. She possessed a creative spirit, expressed through embroidered dishtowels, knitted and crocheted scarves and afghans, and the creation of plastic mats for the homeless using recycled plastic bags. Her sewing skills were put to use making countless dresses and other garments (inevitably with a forgotten pin to stick the first-time wearer).
Whether traveling or at home, Marion kept her wits sharp. She loved puzzles, crosswords, and word searches.
Marion’s home was always open, and her kitchen had a remarkable capacity to accommodate unexpected guests. There was always room at the dinner table for one more.
Marion leaves behind of legacy of grace, resilience, and unwavering love.
Left to cherish her memory are daughters: Judith (Dr. Kenneth) Kuczynski, Annie (Thomas) Schleck, Barbara (Mark) Miller, and Mary (James) Bischoff[; Grandchildren Anthony (Crystal) Kuczynski, Kateri (Chad) Lukkes, Susan (Thomas) Trombley; Danielle Miller, Rita (Kurt) Kaufman, Sarah (Rich) Riedel, Emily (Alwin) Bischoff – Bruintjes, Elizabeth (Sam) Rosenbaum, Michael Bischoff; 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Giuditta and Giordano Stocco; brothers Joseph, James, and Gordon Stocco; husband Robert Schmidt, daughter Susan Schmidt; granddaughter Christina Kuczynski; and great-granddaughter Gemma Kaufman.
A special thank you to the residents and staff at Mala Strana. The family is especially grateful to Praha Village Memory Care and Minnesota Hospice who tirelessly supported Marion and her family in her final days.
Services were arranged by McNearney – Schmidt Funeral & Cremation, 1220 Third Avenue East, Shakopee.
Marion’s Bio (written by daughter: Mary Bischoff)
Marion Stocco Schmidt July 2, 1930-July 19, 2025
One thing we all agree on, Marion had her quirks. The woman could not hang on to a pair of earrings. We all have at least one story where we noticed she was wearing only one earring, and when pointed out, she’d reach into her purse (up to her elbow) and pull out another pair. When going through her things, we found any number of single earrings. If you have only one ear pierced, come see us.
She was rough on stuff: drawers and cupboard doors were slammed, slapped, maybe kicked into submission. Drawer knobs and cupboard door hinges fatigued before their time.
Because she wasn’t much of a planner, she seldom checked to see if she had the ingredients she needed to complete a dish, so she became adept at substituting ingredients, sometimes to great effect…other times, not so much. This may be the reason why we seem almost genetically unable to follow a recipe as written.
On the other hand, Marion was positive and warm. She seldom said anything bad about anybody. Even when they deserved it. She laughed easily–those who signed her high school yearbook addressed her as “Bubbles.”
Marion was endlessly curious about everything. At dinner many years ago, the owner of the restaurant came through the dining room, inviting any children who were interested to follow him into the kitchen, to see their new walk-in cooler. Marion jumped up, “I want to see!” and joined the queue.
She was a member of what we call the “cult of generosity.” We knew anyone was welcome at her table, taking in those new to town, or the country. Many became lifelong friends. Marion would feed them, and then give them leftovers for the trip home. Wherever home was.
Marion lived absolutely in the moment, which meant she wasn’t much interested in planning ahead, but when she was with you, she was present, you know? She seldom reminisced, and did not dabble in regret.
She was a personality. Quite a character. We love you so much, and miss you already.