January 16, 1938 - July 12, 2022
Nickolas Michael Schmitz
Nick was raised in St. Martin, Minnesota by his parents, George and Mathilda Schmitz. On November 16, 1963 in Cold Spring, MN, he married Helen Jean Althoff. They were happily married until her passing in 1992. Nick worked in the sewer & water construction field for 40 years. He retired and then worked part-time at Rainbow Foods for 12 years. After he retired for the 2nd time, he volunteered at Arc Village in Richfield. Nick was an active 50+ year member of the St. Richard's Church community. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0435, Knight's of Columbus, Laborers International Union, and The Meat Cutter Union. He enjoyed a good conversation, spending time with his grandchildren, and traveling with his partner, Diane Elsberry. Nick was the original American Picker, always finding treasures to bring home and share.
Survived by children, Ronald Schmitz, Roger (Michelle) Schmitz, Maria (Kirk) Houseal and Scott (Dook) Schmitz; grandchildren, Marc Schmitz, Quimera Schmitz, Sara Schmitz, Emily Schmitz, Nicole (Joe) Kerlin, Anna (Kris) Lopez and Tayzo Schmitz; great-grandson, Sebastian Mann; partner, Diane Elsberry; siblings, Martin Schmitz, Herman Schmitz, Frances Remer and Robert Schmitz; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Helen Jean Schmitz; siblings, Catherine Mehr, Leonard Schmitz, Herbert Schmitz, Henry Schmitz, Mathias Schmitz and Paul Schmitz.
Memorials preferred to Richfield Historical Society.
Visitation
Sunday, July 24, 2022
2:00PM - 4: 00PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, July 25, 2022
11:00AM
Visitation 1 hour prior
St Richard's Catholic Church
7540 Penn Ave S,
Richfield, MN 55423
Interment
Monday, July 25, 2022
2:00PM
Meet in Assembly Area B
Resurrection Cemetery
2101 Lexington Ave S.
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
To my wonderful, caring, and loving Father-In-Law. Thank you for everything. I will miss listening to all of your stories but those fond memories will live on forever. Keep on smiling, dancing, and storytelling. Much love! Your Son-In-Law Kirk a.k.a. “Kurt”
We extend our sincere sympathy to Nick’s family. We met Nick at the “Schmitz Family Reunions” organized by Zeno and Nick. We remember in particular Nick leading the family tour through the St. Martin Cemetery. Nick clearly and accurately explained the family history- how the family came from Kell, Germany and settled in the St. Martin, Minnesota area. He also related many family stories as we stood over the graves of our ancestors. Nick seemed to be so enthusiastic and was so friendly and kind to us. We are sorry for your loss.
John and Mary Schmitz
4354 Fawn Lake Drive
Stacy, Minnesota 55079
Thank you for the kind words. Dad was passionate about family history. I hope you learned a new story from him.