Milan C. Schmiesing

Milan Schmiesing, 81, of Willmar, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, surrounded by his family and under the care of hospice. 

A celebration of his life will be held July 19, 2025 from 1pm-4pm at the Elks Lodge in Willmar. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to CentraCare Hospice or the charity of your choice.   A recording of Milan' private service may be viewed below.

Milan was born on February 5, 1944, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, the son of Frederick and Lorraine (Swenson) Schmiesing. He grew up on a farm near Lucan, Minnesota, and graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1962. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1962-1966 and developed a lifelong appreciation for discipline, service and community.  

On November 28, 1964, Milan married Carol Nelson, and upon finishing his military service, they settled in Willmar, MN.  They lovingly raised three daughters, Jill, Kris, and Jennifer. On December 23, 1994, Milan was united in marriage to Karen (Johnson) Larson in Spicer, Minnesota and Karen’s three daughters, Laurie, Lisa and Sara, became treasured parts of Milan’s family. 

Milan earned a degree in accounting from Willmar Vo-Tech. In 1969, he began working at Latham & Parker, CPAs, where he later became a partner. In 1985, he merged his practice with Conway, Deuth & Associates to form Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP (CDS). Notably, Milan was the first technical school graduate in Minnesota to earn a CPA license. He was a member of both the American Institute of CPAs and the Minnesota Society of CPAs. After retiring from the CDS partnership in January 2010, he continued to work part-time until his full retirement in May 2022. Milan worked tirelessly and delighted in the opportunity his career gave him to help people.  

Always grateful for his community and committed to giving back, Milan was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar, the Owls, and American Legion Post #167, where he served with the Honor Guard. He was also a former member of the Lions Club and served on the Willmar Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Boards.  He will be remembered for the kindness, competence, commitment and humor he brought to all his endeavors.  

Milan lived by the belief that life is meant to be enjoyed and shared.  A true outdoorsman, Milan loved skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting. He could talk for hours about his hunting and fishing trips with treasured friends.  He also enjoyed golfing—especially time on the course with his “Geezers” golf group, and could often be found “putzing around” in his garage, where he could fix just about anything and built many pieces of furniture for his kids and grandkids.  

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughters: Jill (Erick) Hedman, Kris (Paul) Christians, Jennifer (Nathan) Klatt, Laurie Larson (Jeff Cobb), Lisa (Paul) Standal, and Sara (Andy) Jacobson; fifteen grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Larry (Teresa) Schmiesing; sister, Faye Schmiesing; sister-in-law Carol, nephew John and nieces Amy and Sally.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Fred Schmiesing. 

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