Robert “Bob” Schmitz, was 64 years old, when he passed away peacefully from a recent stroke on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN.
A time of gathering will be held on Sunday, February 12 from 1-3 pm, with a Celebration of Life Service at 3 pm, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Jean Breeggemann will lead the service. Pallbearers will be Bob’s family.
On July 15, 1952 in Shakopee, MN, Robert John was born to parents Jacob and Leora (Stemmer) Schmitz. The baby of the family, he grew up on the family farm with 11 brothers and sisters. From his first breath, Bob lived each day of his life being a devoted and faithful farmer. Bob truly enjoyed working with the animals and tending to the crops. So much that he quit school twice to help on the farm. But on May 19, 1970, he received his diploma from American School of Business Chicago. Bob enlisted into the United States Reserves, where he served for eight years.
At the Brass Rail Bar in Chaska, life for Bob was enriched when he met Debra Jean Luhmann. His contagious smile and quiet character caught her heart forever. On September 18, 1976 at St. John Lutheran Church in Shakopee, MN, Bob and Debbie declared their love for each other. Farming doesn’t allow much free time. But as a couple, they enjoyed the pleasures of going out to eat and an occasional evening of dancing. Bob and Debbie were blessed with 40 years of love and special memories. They were the proud parents to their four-legged daughter, Mysti.
Family was most important to Bob. He relished the close relationship he had with all his siblings and extended family. This included Debbie’s family too. When the work was all done on the farm, Bob loved relaxing watching TV or reading western books.
Bob had this generous and caring personality, especially when it came to helping others in need. He was quiet, polite and hardworking. Left to honor Bob’s life and mourn his death is wife, Debra; siblings, Barb (Roman) Kohout, Bernie Johnston, Bill Schmitz, Kenny Schmitz, Mary (John) Scanlon, Cathy (Ken) Klehr, Rose (Gene) Acklie, Arlene (Jim) Rosckes; sister-in-law, Gerry Schmitz; brothers-in-law, LeRoy Farrell; many nieces and nephews; relatives and friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Bob home is his parents; brother, Paul Schmitz; sisters, Betty Farrell, Marge (Roger) Corwin.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Schmitz family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
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