Paul Anthony Schmitz, 45 years and 5 months, died on Tuesday, November 5, 2002 at his home, rural Red Lake Falls, MN, with his family by his side.

Paul Schmitz was born on June 5, 1957 at St. Johnss Hospital in Red Lake Falls, MN, the son of Alois and Dorine (Beauchane) Schmitz. He was baptized at St. Dorothy Catholic Church in Dorothy, MN and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls and attended St. Joseph School through 8th Grade, graduating from Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls in 1975. He purchased his first farmland in Wylie Township and purchased his farmstead in May of 1985 in Red Lake Falls Township. He was united in marriage to Peggy Dargon on March 6, 1986.

Paul worked for Schmitz Construction and farmed with his brother Richard and his Dad. He also worked for his Dads Pro-Builders Company for many years. He quit farming and went to work for I. C. S. in Grand Forks, ND until he retired due to his illness. Paul also did various carpentry jobs throughout his life and was well known for his quality workmanship and his hard work.

Pauls true joy was traveling with his Harley Davidson. He also enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, playing softball, watching sports, and spending time outdoors. He truly loved spending time with his kids and family and enjoyed people and helping out in any way he could. Paul enjoyed life and was an ordinary and very independent person.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls and an active rider in A.B.A.T.E.

He is survived by five children: Corey J. Dufault, Winona, MN; Seleena Hagl, Oslo, MN; Kelly Schmitz, Kyle Schmitz, Rochelle Schmitz, all of Red Lake Falls, MN; parents, Alois & Dorine Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, MN; 14 Brothers and sisters: Robert (Marlys) Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, MN; Richard (special friend Brenda), Red Lake Falls, MN; Darlene (Rodney) Zutz, Red Lake Falls, MN; Karen Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, MN; Laurie (Greg) Hamness, Strathcona, MN; Marlen Schmitz, Grey Eagle, MN; Lisa (Brian) Nelson, Red Lake Falls, MN; Jackie (Mark) Erickson, Red Lake Falls, MN; Sheila (Wayne) Hanson, Red Lake Falls, MN; Mary (Randy) Huot, Red Lake Falls, MN; Melanie (David) Lessard, Crookston, MN; Andrea (Russ) Gunufson, Fertile, MN; Michelle (Chad) Williams, Red Lake Falls, MN; Tricia (fiance Matt Proulx) Schmitz, Shevlin, MN; 38 nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Medy & Rose Beauchane, Bernard Sr. & Elizabeth Schmitz.

He affectionately called his siblings: Tweeter Tricia; Sel Michelle; Putty Andrea; Ticker Melanie; Mare Mary; Sheely Sheila, Jack Jackie; Leese Lisa; Porky Marlen; Tutter Laurie; Mamier Karen; Tootsie Darlene; Dick Richard; ROBERT Bobby.