ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel University athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime photographer and supporter Carl Schmuland, who passed away on January 23, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer.
 
A celebration of life will take place on Monday, February 17, beginning at 11 a.m. at The North Church (5151 Program Avenue, Mound View, MN)
 
Carl was known for his unwavering faith in the Lord and shared his incredible God-given talent of photography for over 20 years, where he took over half a million photos across all athletic programs. Between the 2004 and 2023 seasons, Carl took photos at 204 consecutive football games, traveling as far east as Mount Union in Ohio and as far west as Linfield in Oregon.  
 
Carl and his wife Mary's, whom he is survived by, connection to Bethel began with a friend's invitation to tour the campus during Christmas 1998. It was strengthened when Carl began hiring Bethel interns at Medtronic, where he was employed as an electrical engineer for more than 30 years.
 
The Schmulands were impressed with the university and its students and felt led to start a scholarship—with the Medtronic Foundation contributing matching funds—that would help Bethel students fund their education. The first scholarship recipient was a football player who graduated in 2004, and that opened the door to a partnership with Bethel athletics. Their scholarship supports Bethel students who are intending to teach and coach sports upon graduation.

"Carl was a consistent figure on the field and in the gym, providing his incredible photography skills for Bethel athletics," said Director of Athletic Communications Austin Lagesse. "Carl's kind heartedness, love of Jesus and willingness to serve whenever he could were just a few of the traits that we were blessed to see. To say we are going to miss him on the sidelines is an understatement, but knowing he is in his real home in heaven brings us comfort and joy."