PAUL ROY SCHMITZ

December 24, 1968 - April 12, 2015

Paul Roy Schmitz, 46, of Caledonia, passed away April 12th, 2015, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was born December 24, 1968 to John and Gayle (Ryan) Schmitz. He attended St. Mary's Catholic Grade School and graduated from Caledonia High School in 1987. He went on to graduate from Winona State University with a degree in Human Resources. He returned to Caledonia to work alongside his dad at Schmitz Bus Service. In 2003, he married Tracy Winjum and together they share 2 children, Claire (8) and Nolan (6). Paul's greatest love was his family and children. His free time was spent hunting, fishing, and camping with his family and friends. Paul's family takes great pride in that he chose to be an organ and tissue donor at the young age of 29. This gift from Paul has already helped 7 families. Giving others a second chance at life has given Paul's family great peace and joy. He is survived by his wife Tracy and children, Claire and Nolan; his father, John and stepmother, Tina Schmitz; 3 sisters, Connie (Jerry) Meiners, Lynn (Greg) Verthein, Amy (Bill) Holtz; 2 brothers, Joseph (Mary Jon) Schmitz and Doug (Jane) Schmitz; stepbrother, Chris (Nichole) Deflorian; mother and father in law, Virgil and Betty Winjum; 3 brothers in law, Scott Winjum, Jeff (Julie) Winjum, Troy (Jenny) Winjum; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gayle, and grandparents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Sat. April 18th, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia. Msgr. Donald Schmitz and Fr. Matt Fasnacht will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm on Friday, at Holy Family Hall, next to the church, and also one hour before the service at the church on Sat. Memorials may be given to the family to be used for an education fund for Claire and Nolan. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family.