Loretta Marie Schmitz

Loretta Marie Pelzel was born September 12, 1927 in Heron Lake, Minnesota to parents Joseph and Stephana (Fried) Pelzel. She was the youngest of 11 children. She attended school in Heron Lake graduating in 1945. She was offered a chance for a secretarial internship at the Pentagon following her senior year, but had to decline for various reasons. She met the love of her life, Marvin Schmitz, at a roller skating rink in Dundee, MN. The couple were married on November 30, 1946 in Heron Lake. The couple had six children. She often talked of her many jobs to help support her family. They made their home in Butterfield, St. James, and Mankato before settling down in St. James. Loretta loved to tend her large garden, enjoyed sewing clothes for her family and hosted many home parties for various products she would sell. After her family was raised she enjoyed traveling, spending time playing cards, volunteering, embroidering dish towels, fixing puzzles and other activities to stay busy. She loved people and always had a smile and a "Good Morning" for everyone. In 2008, she wrote a book about her life "so we will never forget". She loved her home and decorated it beautifully and was always a fashion statement. She will be missed by many family and friends. Loretta Schmitz passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Society in St. James. She is survived by her children; Roger (Kira) Schmitz of Zimmerman, MN, Dennis (Sue) Schmitz of Mankato, MN, Mark (Gail) Schmitz of Washington, DC, Jeff (Kris) Schmitz of Owatonna, MN, Troy (Bonnie) Schmitz of Elk River, MN, Nancy (Kim) Olson of Butterfield, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Vernice Pelzel of Duluth and a brother-in-law Otto Just of Windom. She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin in 2003. Visitation 1 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Rosary at 4:30pm and a prayer service at 7pm. Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Wednesday, December 7, 2016 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Wednesday, December 7, 2016 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery- St. James East of town on CR 27 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Fellowship Lunch will be served at Marian Hall following burial.