Willard M. Schmitz

Willard M. Schmitz, 82, of Cloquet, Minn., formerly of Carlton, Minn., and Bloomer, Wis., passed away peacefully with his family and dog Fritz by his side on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013. Willard was born on June 6, 1930, to Joseph and Laura (Casey) Schmitz in Pierre, S.D. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after school and served his country honorably for several years. He was united in marriage to Patricia Jean Munroe in Santa Barbara, Calif. Willard was a truck driver and farmer all of his life. A good, giving man, Willard was there for everyone. He enjoyed cooking everything and feeding everyone. Willard enjoyed fishing and loved animals, especially his dogs. He always had a million projects and irons in the fire. “We have to do it today, because tomorrow never comes.”

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Jean; his parents; two brothers, Donald and Walter; sister, Donna Hall; and grandchild Tracey.

Willard is survived by his children, Ernest (Sharon) of Eau Claire, Wis., Laura Haburt of Duluth, Minn., Willard Jr. of the Philippines, Michael of Chippewa, Wis., Theresa (William) Jackson of Eau Claire, Larry of Bloomer and Sara Schmitz of Cloquet; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother William (Ruth) Schmitz of Aurora, Minn.; his dog Fritz; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Essentia Hospice, especially Mike Pihlaja, Willard’s care coordinator Jonette Jordan, and spiritual caretaker David Eaton.

A private family gathering will be held in June.

Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota, 218-624-5200.

March 7, 2013 ~ Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.

Tags: obituaries