Donald Schmitz

Donald Paul Schmitz was born on May 6, 1929 in Verndale, MN. His parents are the late William and Mary (Boyer) Schmitz. Donald attended school in Verndale, Minnesota. He honorably served in the United States Marines Corp. from October 12, 1951 to October 5, 1953, being stationed in Korea as a mechanic. In 1954 Donald was united in marriage to Elaine Marian Gibbon. They lived in south St. Paul where Donald worked for 16 years with Swift & Company. They were blessed with three children. The family moved to Verndale in 1965, where they farmed for 30 years. He was a member of the England Prairie Pioneer Club and an active member of the Elmer Goche VFW, where he was Commander. One of his favorite hobbies was farming and was a long-standing member of the farm bureau.

On Friday, March 16,2018 Donald passed away at Lakewood Care Center in Staples, MN at 88 years of age.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Preceding Donald in death were his wife Elaine; parents, William and Mary; daughter, Lauren; an infant baby; brothers: Greg (Bernita) Schmitz; William Jr (Amelia) Schmitz; Fred (Muriel) Schmitz; sisters: Evelyn (Ray) Ament; Delores Ament; Phyllis (Rich) Keppers; and brother-in-law Gail (Joann) Gibbon.

Donald is survived by sons: Dan (Diane); Ken (Val), both of Verndale; 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; brothers: Bernard (Aggie) Schmitz of Litchfield; and Marvin (Pat) Schmitz of Verndale; brother-in-law: Leo “Hans” Ament of Wadena; many other relatives and a host of friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Schmitz, please visit our floral store.