John Schmitz

John Peter Schmitz (76), passed away November 16, 2017 surrounded by his family at Rosewood Nursing Home in Fargo, ND. John was born April 2, 1941 in Harvey, ND, the son of Leo and Mary Schmitz. He grew up on a farm near Harvey and attended St. Cecilia Catholic School and later attended Harvey High School where he met his future wife, Rita Fix. In the fall of 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two years stationed at a post near the Panama Canal. Upon his return, John and Rita were married May 19, 1962, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Harvey, ND, where they remained active members until their retirement in 2006. After their marriage, they moved to a small farm located southwest of Harvey near the family homestead. During these first years of marriage they farmed with John’s parents and started a family. When his parents retired and moved to Harvey in 1970, John and Rita with their young children moved onto the original family farm. For the next 17 years they farmed and raised 9 children. In 1989, they moved into Harvey while continuing to farm with two of their sons. In addition to farming, John and Rita enjoyed many activities together including: square dancing, camping & fishing, and traveling with friends and family. They especially enjoyed the six winters they were able to spend in Harlingen, Texas with close friends. Upon retirement, John and Rita moved to Fargo in the fall of 2006. They became members of Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo. John’s love of the Lord was always present, and his unfailing faith served as a beautiful example to his wife, children, and 29 grandchildren until the time of his death. His devotion to his faith and the way he loved and served his family were absolute and evident throughout his entire life. John is survived by his wife, Rita Schmitz, Fargo, ND; Children: Kathy (Terry) OIson, Horace, ND, Ron (Janine) Schmitz, Harvey, ND, Carol (David) Brooks, Missoula, MT, Stephen (Darla) Schmitz, Jamestown, ND, Margaret (Rick) Volk, Hazen, ND, Michael (Tammy) Schmitz, Harvey, ND, Jackie (Jim) Bitz, Napoleon, ND, Janell (Ryan) Johnson, Cranston, RI, Amanda (Ryan) Pillatzki, Fargo, ND; Grandchildren: Alicia (Dennis) D’Aquila, Allison, Erik, John, Trenton, Alex, Tanner, Mary, Erica, Molly, Bailey, Kirstin, Monica, Andrew, Jacob, Brad, Jeff, Carly, Maria, Blaise, Anna, Sabrina, Ava, Olivia, Jack, Elizabeth, Celine, Brody, Therese; Siblings: Rita (Dave) Arneson, Minot, ND, Gary (Ramona) Schmitz, Harvey, ND, Mark Schmitz, Fessenden, ND, Diane (Larry) Martin, Harvey, ND, Norma Martin, Anamoose, ND He was preceded in death by: Parents Leo & Mary Schmitz, Father and Mother-in-law Emanuel and Luella Fix, Sister-in-law Bonnie Schmitz and Brother-in-law Stan Martin The family wishes to thank Rosewood Broadway and Hospice for their amazing care and compassion for John. They are truly angels. Visitation hours will be held at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo ND, on Sunday, November 19th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Visitation hours will be followed by a prayer vigil at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 20th, at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church with a visitation one hour prior. The burial will take place at St. Cecilia Catholic Church cemetery, Harvey, ND, at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, November 21st. In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice of the Red River Valley would be appreciated.