Keith David Schmalz, 58, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Friday, September 23, 2011 in Clarksville, TN.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 30, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. John Wollenzein officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.  Visitation will also be held from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM on Friday at the funeral home.

Keith David Schmalz was born on February 27, 1953 in Clarkfield, MN along with his identical twin, Kenneth to Alois Rudolph and Hilda Dorothy (Schwartz) Schmalz.  Shortly after their birth they moved to Cosmos, MN where they resided until 1979.  He was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos, MN.  Keith attended school in Cosmos, MN graduating in 1971.

Following graduation, Keith attended college for diesel mechanics in Willmar, MN.  He worked in Raymond, MN for a short time as a diesel mechanic.  In 1973 he returned to the family farm near Cosmos.  In 1979 the family purchased a farm in eastern Pennington County and they farmed until 1981.  Their farm was eleven miles east of Thief River Falls, MN in Cloverleaf Township.  Keith then moved to rural Thief River Falls and went to work for Red River Specialties.

Beginning in 1985 Keith founded, owned and operated Schmalz Industries located in the former Lakehead Pipeline building.  Schmalz Industries was the local Hydra-Mac Dealer for some time along with a rental service, which he has continued to operate until the time of his passing.  For the past few years, Keith has enjoyed being an over-the-road truck driver.  He preferred to be called a transportation specialist.   He owned and operated his own rig and enjoyed driving it throughout the country.

Keith along with Randy Wright owned and operated the Lantern Restaurant & Lounge for about three years.

Keith spent many hours around the campfire at Pine Lake discussing politics, having a few cocktails and enjoying time spent with his brother, Ken and his many friends.  Keith was the Grill Master at their lake cabin; he also enjoyed riding his four-wheeler and spending his quiet time with his cats.

Survivors include his siblings, Curtis (Barb) Schmalz of Buffalo, MN; Karen (Harvey) Zander of Twin Cities, MN, and Kenneth Schmalz of Thief River Falls; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents.