Orlando A. Schmitz

Orlando A. Schmitz, 89, of
St. Peter passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Orlando was born on the homestead farm on November 5, 1925
to William and Florence
(Freund) Schmitz.

 

On May 16, 1950 he married
Ruth O. Freund. She preceded him in death on August 26, 1960. He continued to
raise their six children, his pride and joy. He then married Margaret F.
Gallitz on June 23, 1973. Orlando
worked as a dairy farmer until he retired in the Spring of 1991. After
retirement, he worked at Gellings Implement, and was a caretaker at St. Peter
Cemetery until the Fall of 2014. He was
a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, St. Peter Holy Name Society, and St. Joseph’s Society. Orlando enjoyed working
in his garden, fishing, and could fix just about anything. Most of all, he
loved doing anything that brought his whole family together. He had a great
sense of humor and could bring a smile to anyone’s face.

 

Survivors include his wife,
Marge; six children, Thomas L. of St. Peter, Raymond (Cathie) of Fond du Lac,
Mary (Tom) Leonard of Dotyville, Jerry (Carol) of St. Peter, Geralyn “Toots” (John)
Woicek of North Fond du Lac, and Karen (Dave) Buechel of St. Peter; 13 grandchildren,
Corey and Jennifer Schmitz, Angie (Scott) Bink, Jeff (Melissa) and Tim (Sara)
Leonard, Ashley, Kristen (special friend, Kyle Alston) and Rachel Schmitz, Matt
(Erin), Laura, Scott (Fiance, Kimberly Bach) Woicek and Sarah, Megan and Katie
Buechel.

 

He is also survived by five
great-grandchildren, MaKenna and Trenton Bink, Adalyn, Javen, and Schafer
Leonard and Baby Leonard, due in October; brothers and sisters-in-law include
Elmer (Julitta), Gerald (Bernice), Lillian, and Joan Schmitz, Joan (Dave)
Giebel, Marcie Sippel, John (Rita) Gallitz, Sr. Helen Gallitz CSA and Ann (Dan)
Barefoot; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.

 

Orlando was preceded in death by his parents, two
grandchildren (Kevin Leonard and Ruth Schmitz) and three brothers; Clarence (Elfrieda),
Louie, and Jerome Schmitz.

 

Per Orlando’s requests, cremation has taken place
and a private family burial will be held.

A special thank you to Dr.
Litman, Dr. Johnson, and the Agnesian nursing staff on 4-South. The family is
especially grateful for the Agnesian Hospice nurses who took care of Orlando in the comfort of
his home, where he resided his entire life.

 

            Zacherl Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
www.zacherlfuneralhome.com