Richard "Dick" Schmitz

Richard 'Dick" Schmitz, age 84, of Prior Lake, MN, entered eternal life on Sunday, April 27, 2025. His family was circling at his bedside at Mala Strana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center, in New Prague, MN.

A time of gathering will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 4-7, pm and on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 9:30-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Dick will be laid to rest at Credit River Cemetery, Prior Lake. Mass will be livestreamed through St. Mike's Youtube.

Richard Allen was born on December 8, 1940, in Shakopee, MN, to parents Herbert and Antoniette (Tholkes) Schmitz. He was the second of six children, with his baby sister Charlotte passing away as an infant. Consequently, Richard assumed the role of being the eldest boy in the family. He was raised in New Market, MN, near the water tower. Richard had a passion for sports and became a top athlete, excelling in baseball and football during high school. He graduated from New Prague High School in 1958.

Dick worked in construction for several years before joining John Deere, where he spent 35 years starting on the dock and advancing to plant superintendent. Dick formed lifelong friendships at work. After retiring, he was not an individual to sit idle. Dick accepted a position at Cleary Lake Golf Course mowing grass.

Dick met Beverly Marie Muelken at the Spring Lake Pavilion. They courted for several years, eventually winning her and her dad over by helping with the family farm chores. Dick and Bev married on September 1, 1962, at St. Michael Catholic Church and were blessed with five children: Shelly, Rick, Sue, Rob, and Stacy. The family enjoyed vacations at Park Rapids, MN, at Simons' cabin for over 30 years. Dick was a proud dad. He supported his children by attending all their choir performances and sports events, even coaching the boys. Dick also was very proud of his grandchildren, finding a special way to connect with each one and later extended to his five great-grandchildren, which he adored.

Early on in their marriage, Dick and Bev played in a kitten ball league together for decades. They enjoyed traveling, especially by boat and bus tours. One of their fondest memories as a family was celebrating their 50th anniversary with their entire family in Hayward, WI.

Dick never complained during his illness. He had the utmost dedication and affection for his wife, which extended to his children as well. Dick enjoyed trivia, John Wayne, game shows, reading and putting together jigsaw puzzles. He loved cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and the North Stars. He was intelligent, competitive, kind, loving, and family oriented

Dick will always be loved and missed by his wife, Bev; children, Shelly (Pat) Hayes, Rick (Renee) Schmitz, Sue (Paul) Schons, Rob (Shannon) Schmitz, Stacy (Ricardo) Lopez; grandchildren, Kate, Nick (Carol), Megan (J.P.), Abby (Nick), Anna, Ricky (Faith), Paul (Sydney), Joey (Kelsey), Zack, David, Jake, Olivia, Lucas, Martha, Anna, Luis (Alyssa), Tony (Kenzie); 5 great grandchildren; brother, Hip Schmitz, Terry (Rose) Schmitz; sister-in-law, Kathy Schmitz; other relatives and friends

Greeting Dick home in enteral Heaven are his parents, Herb and Toni Schmitz; infant sister, Charlotte Schmitz; brothers, Donny Schmitz, Al Schmitz and sister-in-law; Dolores Schmitz.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly served and cared for the Schmitz family.