Ervin Leonard Schmidt

Ervin L Schmidt, 91, of Rochester MN died Monday, February 26 at Sugar Loaf Senior Living, Winona. Ervin was born April 30, 1926 in Winona MN to William and Anna (Ellers) Schmidt. All who met him would say, "He's an interesting guy to talk to." Erv always said, "If I can see it, I can fix it." He had an incisive intellect and a unique sense of humor and curiosity that may have gotten him into trouble a time or two.
Erv graduated from Winona HS and Winona State College. He was a self-taught electrical engineer. After a short stint as a carpenter, he went to the Mayo Clinic and worked for Dr. Lambert as a research technician. One of the first things he developed was EMG in the early 1950s. Once it was developed, he continued by making EMG carts in his basement. He later worked at IBM until he retired. Ervin met Melva Knoll through her brother. A common date usually consisted of hiking the bluffs, fishing, or just enjoying nature. They married on June 2, 1951 and had two children, Nancy and Gary.
Ervin and Melva were always together. They relished any activity that would get them outdoors for long periods of time. Erv taught SCUBA diving for nearly 30 years and sailing for another 20 or so. A talented photographer, nature in all its forms was his favorite subject. They participated in the Christmas Bird Count for years. While wintering in TX, they took the courses to become TX Master Naturalists. They were one class short when Erv lost his vision.
Ervin is survived by his loving wife, Melva; children, Nancy (Tom) Austin, Gary (Nancy) Schmidt; grandchildren, Eric Austin, Katie (Matt) Munroe, Alex (Nicole) Austin, Anna (Eric Hart) Schmidt, Brandon Schmidt and fiancée Hannah; great-grandson, Eli Hart; sisters, Florence Hollingsworth, Ethel Graf. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held later. Memorials to Doctors Without Borders are suggested. Please leave a memory of Ervin at Hofffuneral.com