Dennis Wayne Schmillen

Dennis Schmillen passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System-St. James. Dennis Wayne Schmillen was born in St. James, MN, on June 22, 1929, the son of Frank (Oakes) and Cora (Hanson) Schmillen. Dennis grew up in St. James, he was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in St. James. Dennis graduated from St. James High School in 1947 and was a member of the 1946 undefeated baseball team. He then served in the Army during the Korea War. On January 27, 1954, he was united in marriage to Lorraine (Barge)Bowers in Estherville, IA. The couple made their home in St. James. He joined his father at Schmillen Body Shop, where he eventually took over and worked in the shop until his retirement. Dennis was a member of First Lutheran Church, St. James VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed and excelled at bowling, baseball, fishing, duck and pheasant hunting, and playing pool. He is survived by his sister Nancy (Robert) Downs of Oelwein, IA, brother Frank (Debbie) Schmillen of St. James, daughter Sharon (Gary) Skarset of Rapid City, SD, grandchildren Bruce (Terri) Thomas of Rochester, Denise Thomas of Plymouth, Charles (Jane) Thomas of Mankato, Dale Skarset of Rapid City, SD, 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his wife Lorraine, his parents, his sister Beverly Smith and daughter Deanna Thomas. Visitation 1 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, August 24, 2017 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Friday, August 25, 2017 First Lutheran Church, St. James 716 6th Ave. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Friday, August 25, 2017 First Lutheran Church, St. James 716 6th Ave. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James S. CR 27 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Military Honors to be provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard. Fellowship Lunch to be served at the church following burial