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.”