John L. Schmitz, 61, St. Francis, MN

John L. Schmitz, age 61, of rural St. Francis, died Friday, October 5, 2012 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 8 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Francis with Rev. John Odero officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date.
John Lawrence Schmitz was born October 2, 1951 in Melrose, Minnesota to Robert and Mayme (Tschida) Schmitz. He farmed all his life on the family farm near Rooney Lake. He enjoyed fishing, building things, driving tractor and spending time with his nephews and niece.
John was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Francis
Survivors include his sister and brothers, Irene “Reno” Schmitz, LeRoy Schmitz, Gilbert Schmitz and Isidore (Beverly) Schmitz all of Freeport; nephews and niece, Robin (Carrie) Schmitz of Freeport, Andrew Schmitz of Maple Grove and Kelly Schmitz of Freeport.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mayme Schmitz.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.