Geneva "Jeanie" Schmidt (Fineday)

Geneva "Jeanie" Marie Schmidt, of Fosston, Minnesota, went home to be with Jesus — and into the arms of her beloved daughters — on August 9, 2025.

 She was born on December 7, 1950, in Ponsford, Minnesota, and from the very start, she brought warmth, gentleness, and a quiet strength into the lives of all who knew her.

She attended Middle River Community School, graduating in 1969 where she then attended schooling to become a nurse's aide.

In December 1975, Jeanie married Jerry Schmidt from Lakota, ND. They made their home in Middle River, MN where they began to raise their daughters in a community that they loved. Later separating.

Fate brought Jeanie together with her lifelong companion, Wes Eskeli, in Roseau, MN. They soon became inseparable — working together at Polaris, sharing adventures, and building a life full of love and companionship for the next 31 years. Their happiest days were spent “up in the hills” in Trail, MN, going for rides in the Ranger, enjoying the peace of nature, and simply being together.

Jeanie lived for life’s simple pleasures — a warm fire, a good puzzle, a long stroll through Target, a leisurely walk to the grocery store, flipping through magazines and cookbooks. She enjoyed playing cards and dice, sipping an ice-cold Busch Light, and always favored the comfort of a cozy outfit. Her calm, welcoming presence made every space feel like home.

Her greatest joy, without question, was her family — especially her grandchildren. Summers with Grandma Jeanie were filled with bingo nights, parades, county fairs, trips to the Dollar Store, lawn toys in the yard, and special outings to “see snowmobiles” at Polaris. She was generous with her time, love, and treats, creating treasured memories that will last for generations.

Jeanie’s heart belonged to Trail, MN — There, surrounded by nature and the Eskeli family, she found peace, joy, and belonging.

She is survived by her partner, Wes Eskeli of Fosston; her daughter, Elly (Ray) Sandstrom of North Branch; her grandchildren, Whitney (Ben) Fowler of Moorhead, Hunter (Kylie) Balmer of Glencoe, and Holden Miller of Grand Forks; and her five great-grandchildren — Violet and Ivy Fowler. Saylor, Camden, and Brooks Balmer. She leaves behind her beloved Eskeli family, many bonus siblings, cousins, extended family, and friends whose lives were made brighter by her presence.

Jeanie is preceded in death by her daughters, Stacy (2016) and baby, Katari. Her foster parents, Loretta and Carl Huset, brother, Morgan Huset and sister, Sharon Huset. Along with foster brothers and sisters.

While her passing leaves an unfillable space here on earth, there is deep comfort in knowing she is now joyfully reunited with them in her eternal home.

Jeanie will be remembered for her unwavering love, her steady kindness, and the quiet beauty of a life well lived.

Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 23, 2025, at "The Hills", 27133 360th Ave. SE,  Trail, MN. Signs will be posted.  

(From the City of Trail, travel West a half of a mile on State Hwy 92. Turn left (South) on 360th Avenue SE. Travel 3/4 of a mile and service location will be on the right hand side from road)