Norbert Schmitz was born on April 10, 1926, in Howard, South Dakota to Michael and Mary (Wagner) Schmitz. In 1933 the family moved to a farm near Avoca, MN where Norbert attended a country school. In 1948 the family moved to a farm south of Currie, MN where Norbert attended IHM Catholic School in Currie. On February 10, 1953, he and Leona “Pretty Onie” Rolfes were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in LeMars, IA. On April 14, 1954, Norbert was drafted into the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge on March 28, 1956, he returned to Onie and they farmed south of Currie for the next 38 years. In 1970 they purchased the grain elevator in Currie and operated it as Schmitz Grain Company until 1991 when they retired. Shortly after their retirement, they moved into Currie. Onie passed away on April 24, 2000. On January 12, 2002, he and Mary Jean “Jeanie” Ludwig were married in Norwalk, IA. Following their marriage, they made their home on Lake Shetek and then in Worthington, MN. Jeanie passed away on December 19, 2022. After Jeanie’s death Norbert built a home in Slayton. Due to failing health Norbert moved to Our House Hospice Home in Slayton on October 22, 2024. He passed away there on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 98. He was a member of IHM Catholic Church in Currie. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Norbert enjoyed farming, traveling, rolling dice, playing cards with his buddies, and checkers with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending their winters in Florida with his family.
Survivors include his seven children and their spouses, Barb and Gary Polk of Lake Zurich, Il, Mary Lynn and Quentin Fabro of Eagan, MN, Nancy and Douglas Shellum of Burnsville, MN, Doug and Karen Schmitz of Slayton, MN, Becky Ankrum of Dundas, MN, Sandy and Larry Jarmer of Westbrook, MN, and Dan and Sue Schmitz of Currie, MN, 23 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, five step-children and their families, Beth Ann Ludwig, of Marion, IA, John and Laura Ludwig of Indianapolis, IN, Matthew Ludwig of Waukee, IA, Bill and Sue Ludwig of Ankeny, IA, Nicole and Tom Cooney of Waukee, IA, one sister-in-law, Marie Schmitz of LeMars, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Michel and Mary Schmitz, wives, Onie and Jeanie, grandson, Mitchell Jarmer, nine siblings, Marie Schmitz, Herman Schmitz, Leo Schmitz, Luella Andert, Lawrence Schmitz, Clara Hoffmann, Audrey Puhl, Delores Sieve, and Gordon Schmitz.
Funeral Services
IHM Catholic Church in Currie, MN on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The organist is Patty LeClaire with special music by the IHM Choir. The pallbearers are Blake Schmitz, Michael Jarmer, Christopher Ankrum, Cole Fabro, Garrett Fabro, Matthew Polk, and Shaun Polk. Honorary pallbearer, Mitchell Jarmer. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery in Currie, MN. Military honors accorded by the Currie American Legion Post.
Visitation will be on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at IHM Catholic Church in Currie, MN from 2-5 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com