DAVID HAROLD SCHMITZ

David Harold Schmitz David H. Schmitz passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 31, 2023 at the age of 81 years. David was born on December 26, 1942, in Caledonia, MN, to Aloysius and Beatrice Schmitz. He was raised in Caledonia and graduated from Loretto High School. After high school, David worked for the Houston County Highway Department. He joined the army on July 15, 1964 and proudly served until July 2, 1966. While in the army David earned the Sharpshooter Award, the Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Upon returning home from the army, David returned to work at the highway department. On June 24th, 1967, David married Rita Thimmesch and they had 5 wonderful children. They later divorced. In 1990, David met the love of his life, Betty Paus. They were married on July 23, 1993. David & Betty just celebrated 30 years of marriage. David dedicated 37 years of his career to the Houston County Highway Department. Following his retirement, he continued working part-time for Kruckow Rock Products, where he maintained township roads for another 20 years. David was a hardworking husband, father, and grandfather. He found joy in spending time in his woodshop, feeding the birds, and watching football, particularly the Minnesota Vikings. David enjoyed watching classic TV shows like The Three Stooges and old Westerns with his loyal dog, Bear. David spent his free time with his family and grandchildren, playing cards, and taking drives in the countryside. David is survived by his loving wife, Betty Schmitz and his children Michael (Linda) Schmitz, Laura (Gregory) D’Alexander, Richard (Jana) Schmitz, Andrew Schmitz, and Emily (David) Adams, as well as his stepchildren Tracy (Bill) Dowling and Tom (Lisa) Paus; beloved grandchildren, Zachery Schmitz, Dalton and Alexis D’Alexander, Brooklyn and Asher Schmitz, Kyra, Kylee and Layne Schmitz, Mason Adams, Liam, Ben, Tatiana, Magdalena and Landon Dowling and Skyler and Mason Paus; brothers Roger (Jane) Schmitz and Jim (Sharon) Schmitz and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aloysius and Beatrice Schmitz, and his brother, Paul Schmitz. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13th, from 9:00 am to 10:45 am, at St. Mary's Holy Family Hall, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. at St. Mary's Church, Caledonia. A private burial will take place at a later date. Please join us in celebrating the life of David H. Schmitz, a dedicated family man, military veteran, and skilled woodworker. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

DAVID HAROLD SCHMITZ

December 26, 1942 - December 31, 2023