Gloria Schmitz

Gloria H. Schmitz, age 85, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Thursday, February 8, 2018 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton with Fr. John Paul Knopik Celebrant. Organist will be Cindy Sanasack with special music provided by the Ave Maria Catholic Church Choir.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton. Visitation will continue Tuesday one hour prior to service time at the church.

Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton. Pallbearers will be Michelle Ring, Scott Ring, Jason Gilsdorf, Brian Alexander, Nicole Alexander, Daryl Lewandowski and David Lewandowski. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gloria's nieces and nephews.

Gloria (Wencel) Schmitz was born on August 20, 1932 in Ortonville, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Fred and Cleova (Arnoldi) Wencel. She was baptized in Graceville, Minnesota and confirmed at the Ave Maria Parish, Wheaton. Gloria attended Wheaton High School and graduated in 1950. Gloria married Reinhard Schmitz on August 23, 1950 at the Ave Maria Parish by Fr. Nicholas Kramer.

Gloria lived in Wheaton most of her life. She was a book keeper at Traverse Co-Op Oil, Jacobson Transport and Wheaton Insurance. She was active in the Ave Maria Church Circles where she served as Leader and Treasurer. Also, she was a member of the funeral serving circle. Gloria's hobbies included cooking, baking chocolate cakes, quilting and camping (especially with grandchildren.) She made many quilts during her life time and served as state campground hosts with Reiny for eight years.

Gloria is survived by her daughters: Wanda (Tony) Gilsdorf of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Renae (Lloyd) Alexander of Detroit Lakes, MN; her grandchildren: Michelle (Scott) Ring of Rochester, MN; Jason Gilsdorf of Colorado Springs, CO; Brian Alexander of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Nicole Alexander of Detroit Lakes, MN; sister Joy Lewandowski of Browns Valley, MN; brother LaMoyne (Carole) Wencel of West St. Paul, MN; step-sisters: Margie (Adie) Tillery of Minneapolis, MN; and Edna Kellerman of St. Paul, MN.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother Daryl; and her brother-in-law Leonard Lewandowski.