Willie Schmitt

Wilfred Michael Schmitt was born on September 3, 1928 to Michael and Elizabeth (Lanners) Schmitt.  Willie was the youngest of eight children and by some accounts a bit spoiled.  He attended St. Leo Parochial school thru 8th grade and then worked on his brother Ted’s farm.  He was in the United States Navy from October 10, 1950 to August 10, 1954.  He never saw war time so he had some fond memories of places seen, working on fighter jets and sailing the sea.

On November 22, 1955 he married Geraldine Stienessen.  Willie farmed with his brother John near St. Leo, MN.  He loved farming with the independence and being outdoors.  He never complained about the weather or prices, always said you take the good with the not so good.  In January 1979 Willie and Gerry moved to Dawson, MN.  He worked for Meier’s Hardware in Dawson from 1979 to 1986, where he learned many plumbing skills and in 1986 Schmitt Plumbing was established.  Willie made his last house call at age 91, Dad informed the caller that; “I will sure come and check things out for you, but I can’t crawl under the sink anymore and someone will have to help tighten connections.”

Willie absolutely loved life and had many interests; hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing, playing cards, and playing bingo.  He was an avid sports fan- Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves and Gophers (he was a glutton for punishment).  He always said “you can’t expect them to win every game.”

Dad loved spending time with nieces and nephews, loved to visit with them and they have fond memories of fishing trips to Chamberlain, SD and riding along on the combine during harvest.  He loved being around Pam’s friends; from grade school when Patti would be over every other weekend to adulthood, when Pam’s card club would come to Dawson for a weekend slumber party of cards and bingo.

Willie is survived by his wife Gerry and his daughter, Pam and her husband John Caflisch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and sisters, and many other relatives and friends.

Willie Schmitt died Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Johnson Memorial Health Services in Dawson at the age of 91.

He was a husband and Dad that loved his wife and daughter unconditionally every day of their lives.  1st Corinthians 13:13 says: “Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is love.”

Thanks for the memories Dad, you will be missed every...single.....day.