Chad Schmitz, 43, of Red Lake Falls, MN died on Monday, October 12, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Chad Edward Schmitz was born on September 10, 1972 in Red Lake Falls, MN to Henry and Phyllis (St. Marie) Schmitz. He grew up in Red Lake Falls and was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He attended kindergarten through grade 6 at St. Joseph's Catholic School and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1991. Chad began working at Thibert Chevrolet and Buick in 1991 and continued to work there until ALS forced him to leave his employment in 2013. Chad first worked in the parts department and then became a salesman in 1994. Chad was a gifted salesman and made many meaningful, lasting relationships through his work at Thibert's. On September 26, 1998, Chad was united in marriage to Jennifer Gunderson at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. They made their home in rural Red Lake Falls and in 2013, Chad helped design and build their current home in Red Lake Falls. To this union two children were born, Madison Rose and Blane Edward. Chad was a caring and involved father who loved to spend time with Madison and Blane. Chad enjoyed hunting, camping with his family and friends, golfing, snowmobiling, trips to Mexico, hockey, and hanging out with his friends telling stories. He also had a knack for finding a good deal, fixing whatever it needed and turning around to sell the item. He was a Volunteer Fireman in Red Lake Falls from 1999-2014 and served as the fire chief for four years. He served on the board for Oak Knolls Golf Club and spent part of that time as president. He was an active member of the Pathfinder's Snowmobile Club and served many years on the board. Chad also enjoyed being a youth hockey coach and helping his son learn the game of hockey. Chad was diagnosed with ALS in April 2012. As the disease slowly took away his ability to do the things he loved, his unconditional love for his wife and children was always present. The disease also did not take away his sense of humor and smile. Chad is survived by his wife Jenny, daughter Madison, and son Blane all of Red Lake Falls, parents Henry and Phyllis Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, MN, 4 siblings: Deb (Mark) Borgwardt, Racine, WI, Nancy (Ron) Baird, Red Lake Falls, Dale Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, Tanya (Chuck) Gjerstad; father and mother-in-law: Dean and Peggy Gunderson, Bejou, MN, 3 sister-in-laws: Becky (Scott) Olson, Cindy (Jon) Large, Sara (Joe) Miller; nieces and nephews: Brandon (Kim) Borgwardt and great nephew Noah Borgwardt, Ashley Borgwardt, Aaron (Ashley) Baird, Taylor Gjerstad, Brittany Gjerstad, Alyssa, Sam and William Olson, Gabe and Abby Large, Tommy, Taylor and Stephanie Miller. Chad was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ben and Elizabeth Schmitz, Joseph and Dulice St. Marie (Davis), and Clem Davis.