Arthur Schmitz of Red Lake Falls, MN died peacefully on Saturday, March 26, 2011 in the presence of loving family while in palliative care at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND at the age of 74 years, 8 months and 17 days. May his memory be blessed.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. Burial will be held in St. Josephs Cemetery, Red Lake Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5 -8 PM, Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.

Arthur Joseph Schmitz was born on July 9, 1936 in Crookston, MN to Crispen and Frieda (Schindler) Schmitz. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Marys Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. He attended country school for one year and then attended St. Josephs School through the 8th grade. He was a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church throughout his adult life.

On October 19, 1957, Art was united in marriage to Joan Welsch at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN. They were blessed with four children, Michael, Mark, Gregory and Steven. They made their home on their family farm near Red Lake Falls in 1959 where he lived until his death.

In April, 1957 he moved to Great Falls, MT where he worked two years for the Anaconda Copper Company until moving back to Red Lake Falls to farm and raise a family. Arthur had a deep connection to nature, loving the land, seasons, and animals great and small. He was a loyal friend with a huge heart who loved telling stories and passing along a good joke. In more recent years, he enjoyed weaving rugs and gardening with his wife. Throughout his years, the farm was a place where many local kids found a second home and father. He deeply loved his wife and family and noted to all that the thing he was most proud of was the success and happiness of his children.

Survivors include his wife Joan (Welsch) Schmitz, children, Michael (Katsushi Fukasawa) Schmitz of Minneapolis, MN, Mark (Jolene) Schmitz of Thompson, ND, Gregory (Kelly) Schmitz of Roseau, MN, Steven (Sheila) Schmitz of Spirit Lake, IA; grandchildren, Sarah (Brian) Foss, Donovan (Natasha) Stengrim, Luke Schmitz, Gemma Schmitz, Tyler Schmitz, Beth Schmitz, Matthew Schmitz, Ryan Schmitz, Benjamin Schmitz; great grandchildren, Tanner Foss, Dillon Foss, Breydon Foss; sister and brother, Loretta Knott, Donald Schmitz; and numerous nieces, nephews, god-children, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father Crispen Schmitz, mother, Frieda (Schindler) Schmitz, brother Francis Schmitz, sister-in-law Bernadette Schmitz, and brother-in-law LaVerne Knott.