Ray Schmitz

Raymond “Ray” Richard Schmitz, age 91, was called Home by our Heavenly Father on March 7, 2025 after a short stay at the Perham Living Transitions Unit.

Born to Anthony “Tony” and Hildegarde (Stuntebeck) Schmitz on October 12, 1933, he and his older brother Tom were raised in Perham, MN. Ray was baptized and confirmed at St. Henry's Catholic Church, and attended St. Henry’s Catholic School through 8th grade.

Ray graduated from Perham High School in 1951. He participated in many activities, but was most proud to be a member of the undefeated and unscored upon Yellowjackets football team of 1950. He attended college at St. John's University where he continued to play football.

Ray met the love of his life Jean Warner in high school, and they were married July 10, 1954. After his college graduation, Ray and Jean moved from St. Cloud back to Perham. At that time, he joined his father and brother in the family Ford - New Holland dealership. Ray and Jean later moved to Little Pine Lake where they raised their seven children.

He was also a charter member of the Perham Rotary Club and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ray and Jean traveled in their retirement, including trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and London, but Ray's favorite place to vacation was Anna Maria Island in Florida where he and Jean spent many winter months. They met many people and made some life-long friends.

Ray was enthusiastic about hunting and fishing, especially with his children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Hunting and fishing stories were always plentiful. With the help of his family, Ray was able to enjoy one final deer hunt last fall. He was a passionate supporter of whatever activities grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in and would travel almost anywhere to watch them. Family gatherings meant so much to him, no matter how loud or crowded.

Surviving Ray is his loving wife of 70 years, Jean; his children Ginny (Milton) Kimball, Greg (Pam) Schmitz, Mike (Diane) Schmitz, Tom (Nancy) Schmitz, Joe (Lori) Schmitz, Dan (Carol) Schmitz, and Peggy (Randy) Johnson; 19 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren; and his brother Tom Schmitz. Preceding Ray in death were his parents, Tony and Hildegarde Schmitz.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:15 and Parish Prayers at 6:30 on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham. Visitation will resume from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by the Memorial Mass at 1:00 on Thursday, March 13 at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Perham. Burial will be in St. Henry's Catholic Cemetery in Perham.

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