Regina Clarabell Schmidt

Regina Clarabell Schmidt (Vander Woude) was born to Paul and Gertrude Vander Woude on May 27, 1933, on a farm north of Holland. She lived near Holland in her early years with her sister and two brothers. She attended a one room schoolhouse through third grade. It was then that her family moved to Edgerton. She attended Edgerton Christian Elementary school through eighth grade. She was not able to attend high school because she was needed to care for her mother and siblings.

She was raised in a loving, Christian home where she learned to love God at a young age. On February 18, 1951, she professed her faith publicly in Bethel CRC. She spent her life trying to live to testify to that profession. 

She wanted to be an RN, but she believed her purpose instead was to raise her children to love the Lord and live their lives for him.

Regina married Allen Tinklenberg on December 11, 1951. Allen was called to serve in the Army and was sent to Korea. Regina worked as nurses aide in Pipestone hospital. It was during this time she experienced the tragic death of her first child, born 2 months premature. 

After being honorably discharged, Regina and Allen started farming near Edgerton. They were blessed with 6 children. 

From 1976-1991 she worked at Edgebrook Care Center. In 1982, Allen passed away suddenly. She, again, relied on her faith to get through it. In 1985, she married Henry Schmidt. They enjoyed many years together until he passed in 2018. 

Regina was an excellent seamstress, sewing much of the clothing for her family. She grew a large garden, she froze and canned all the fruits and vegetables for her family. She loved researching genealogy. She produced all of their family trees. She was a member of many Bible study groups. She volunteered with the VA spouses. She enjoyed family gatherings and playing cards. She also spent many enjoyable years wintering in south Texas.

She lived out her final years at Edgebrook Care Center. She went to greet her Lord face to face on April 13, 2025. 

She is survived by her children Gelene (Pete) Van Noort, Lebanon, TN, Wanda (Alan) Camarigg, Blaine, WA, Barb (Phil) Bootsma, Melvin, IA, Owen Tinklenberg, Edgerton, MN, Jack (DaVonn) Tinklenberg, Luverne, MN, Terry (Tricia) Tinklenberg, Edgerton, MN; 19 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings Frank (Caroline) Vander Woude, Abel Vander Woude, Clara Mae Luchtenburg; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son Larry Allen; husbands Allen Tinklenberg  and Henry Schmidt; grandsons Jarrod Camarigg and Charlie Bootsma; and daughter-in-law Jeannette Tinklenberg. 

Her family is grateful for the loving compassionate care she received at Edgebrook Care Center.

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