Stella Schmitz

Stella Schmitz, age 91, of New Prague, MN, formerly of Prior Lake, MN, passed peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2024, while surrounded by her beloved family. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 12 pm, with a gathering from 10-11:45 am, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. Pastor Diane Goulson will preside. Stella will be laid to rest at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Prior Lake, MN. 

Ralph and Theresa (Borchardt) Smith proudly announced the birth of their daughter Stella, born on December 14, 1932. The third of four children, she was born and raised in Prior Lake, where all her adventures began. Growing up in town, Stella enjoyed the many excursions visiting the Borchardt family farm. She started her education attending schools in Prior Lake, eventually graduating from Shakopee High School. 

After graduating, Stella accepted a position as a server at The Town Treat. She loved interacting with the customers but relished the lifelong friendship she formed with the owners. Stella’s life was enriched by meeting and marrying the love of her life, Ronald “Ron” Francis Schmitz. They were united in Holy Matrimony on September 14, 1957, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Due to Ron’s career, they found themselves living on the East Coast and in Indiana before returning to Minnesota. In 1961, the Schmitz family settled in Bloomington, MN, where Ron worked for the Bloomington Police Department and Stella focused on raising the children. In 1974, Stella and Ron decided to build a new home on the lake and moved back home to the Prior Lake area. As a family they enjoyed lake life and family vacations 

As the children grew up, Stella ultimately returned to the work force and accepted a position as a school lunch lady for the Prior Lake School system. Climbing the corporate ladder, she eventually became the Head Cook at Westwood Elementary. In 1987, Stella retired. This allowed her and Ron to experience new adventures, so they moved to Florida. After a few years, Stella missed being active in her grandchildren’s lives, so the Schmitz’s moved back to Prior Lake. 

Throughout the years, Stella has enjoyed bowling, sewing, golfing and most of all gardening and playing Bingo! She and Ron loved to travel. They were able to visit almost every state in the United States, with trips to Florida, Maine and the Alaskan cruise being the fondest. What was dearest to Stella was being around the family and active in their lives. On October 25, 2010, Stella was faced with the passing of Ron. As an avid church goer and with her strong faith in God, Stella persevered. 

Stella’s legacy will continue living on in her children, Keith (Cheryl) Schmitz, Connie (Clint) Adamson, Cathy (Kathy Collier) Schmitz; grandchildren, Jason (Angie) Adamson, Chris Adamson, Nick Adamson; great-grandchildren, Alex Adamson, Aaron Adamson; sister, Donna Kubes; other loving relatives and friends.

Greeting Stella home in Heaven is her husband, Ron; parents Ralph and Theresa Smith; siblings, Hazel (Alex) Siskoff, and Dusty (Patty) Smith.

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