David Schmitz

David Rupert Schmitz was born May 5, 1954 in Perham, MN to Rupert and Lucille (Rosenthal) Schmitz. Dave graduated from Perham High School in 1972 and married the love of his life, Wendy Westlund on March 4, 1978. They resided in Inver Grove Heights, MN and were blessed with two children, Jason and Jami.

Dave worked as a finish blade operator for Ace Blacktop for many years and later for Buck Blacktop. Dave loved the Perham area, and the couple eventually moved back to raise their family. Dave’s dream was to open his own repair business, and that’s what he did. He helped countless farmers around the area and was always available to fix tractors for his friends.

Dave was known for his big heart, always willing to lend a helping hand. His laugh was contagious, and he will be greatly missed by many. His shop was always a warm gathering place for friends. Dave lived for his grandchildren; taking them fishing, planting the garden, deer hunting, rides on the “putt-putt”, and working in the shop were his favorite things to do with them.

His kindness, wisdom, and laughter will be remembered by his wife Wendy; children Jason (Jennifer) and Jami (Chris) Ahart; and his grandchildren Cody (16), Kylie (9) and Wyatt (3) Ahart and Kadence (12) and Talon (8) Schmitz. He will also be remembered by his mother Lucille Schmitz; brothers Tom (Phyllis), Rich (Linda) and Mike (Staci); his sisters Marilyn (Greg) Troska, Geri (Deno) Westly, Sue (Mike) Schmelz, Paulette Klein, Christine (Paul) King and Patty (Ron) Carrlson; sister-in-law Carol (Rick) Marasco and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Dave passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 in his home, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, surrounded by his family after an eight-year battle with cancer. He was 65 years young.

Dave was preceded in death by his father Rupert Schmitz; father-in-law Melvin Westlund; brother-in-law Lenny Westlund; brother-in-law Eugene Klein; and mother-in-law Betty Westlund.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham, MN.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com

David's Memorial Folder