Norman Schmitz

Norman Schmitz, age 94, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, September 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Rev. Michael Breach officiating. Organist will be Sara Lee Rinke with special music by Dennis Johnson.

Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton. Pallbearers will be Edward Schmitz, Steven Schmitz, Charles Schmitz, Travor Timm, Trent Timm and Troy Timm. Honorary Pallbearers will be Norman's nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be held Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church.

Norman Arthur Schmitz was born on October 27, 1921 in Windsor Township, Traverse County, Minnesota to Peter and Elsie (Hess) Schmitz. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church on June 20, 1944 by Pastor E.C. Hallstein. Norman attended District 8 School in Windsor Township. He lived at his parental home, farming with his father until October 20, 1944 when he married Alice Schmitz in Wheaton.

Norman and Alice moved to a farm in Walls Township. They had two adopted children, son John Paul and daughter Rosemary Kathryn. In 1966 they moved to Rockford, MN. Norman worked in the Rockford Bakery and then at Buffalo Chevrolet Garage. He studied and received his G.E.D. at Willmar High School in August of 1971. Norman furthered his education when he earned his engineering license from State Vocational School. He worked at Rockford High school where he was the custodian and a bus driver. He later worked at St. Francis Elementary School in Buffalo as a custodial engineer. He continued to work there until he retired and they moved back home to Wheaton in 1979.

Norman had many hobbies which included: artistic wood working, hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, gardening and bird watching. He played the accordion and harmonica; especially enjoying playing the harmonica at the nursing home.

Norman is survived by his wife of almost 72 years, Alice Schmitz; his daughter Rosemary Schmitz; grandchildren: Sean, Travis and Christina Schmitz; great-grandchildren: Tyler, Ashley, Brandon and Larissa Schmitz; brother Kenneth (Eunice) Schmitz; and many nieces and nephews.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Elsie Schmitz; son John Paul Schmitz; sister Violet Kurth; brothers Phillip Schmitz and Vernon Schmitz.