NOTICE CHANGE IN VISITATION! DUE TO THE WEATHER THE VISITATION HAS BEEN CHANGED FOR FRANCIS. IT WILL BE ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE FUNERAL TUESDAY AT THE CHURCH...

Francis Schmitz, 84, died on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, MN.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Chuck Huck presiding. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, February 9,
2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer service on Monday evening and also at the church for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Francis Leo Schmitz was born on April 10, 1924 in Black River Township, MN, the son of Chrispen and Frieda (Schindler) Schmitz. He was baptized at St. Marys Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls and attended school in Red Lake Falls. Francis entered the United States Army on May 4, 1945. He served in Panama with the Military Police as a Sergeant. He was Honorably Discharged on December 17, 1946.

Francis was united in marriage to Evelyn Mae Kirschman on November 25, 1950 in Red Lake Falls. Following their marriage the couple moved to a farm west of Red Lake Falls, where they farmed and lived their entire lives.

Francis enjoyed fishing; visiting with his family and he loved farming. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the American Legion in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Francis is survived by his wife, Evelyn of Red Lake Falls, MN;
children: Roger (LaVonne) Schmitz of Newfolden, Linda (David) Bergh of Hallock, MN, Carolyn Schmitz of Fosston, MN, Vern Schmitz of Red Lake Falls, MN, Douglas (Rebecca) Schmitz of Fargo, ND, Julia (Steve) Crump of Richardson, TX, Gene Schmitz of Red Lake Falls, MN; and
grandchildren: Ryan, Rebecca, Robin and Roberta Schmitz, Emily and Christopher Moehring, Marsha, Aaron, Stacey, Denise, Owen and Ian Bergh, Lindsey, Renae, Chelsey and Dalen Schmitz, Lauren, Michelle and Stephen Crump; 11 great grandchildren; sister: Loretta Knott of Red Lake Falls, MN, brothers: Donald Schmitz of South Milwaukee, WI and Arthur (Joan) Schmitz of Red Lake Falls, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chrispen and Frieda Schmitz.

ORGANIST:
MUSIC: St. Joseph Schola
CASKETBEARERS: All of Francis Grandchildren
MILITARY HONORS: American Legion of Red Lake Falls
NOTICE CHANGE IN VISITATION! DUE TO THE WEATHER THE VISITATION HAS BEEN CHANGED FOR FRANCIS. IT WILL BE ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE FUNERAL TUESDAY AT THE CHURCH...