Thomas K. Schmitz

Thomas K. Schmitz, 62, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Tuesday, November 24, 2009 surrounded by his family at Emmanuel Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Tom was born on January 31, 1947, the son of Kenneth and Rosemary (Eischens) Schmitz in Park Rapids, Minnesota. He grew up and attended school in Park Rapids, Minnesota; where he participated in football and track. Tom married his "high school sweetheart" Jane Edam on August 28, 1965 at St. Peterchr(39)s Catholic Church, Park Rapids, Minnesota. They moved to Detroit Lakes in September of 1965, where he worked for Northwestern Bell as a lineman. Tom continued to work there for thirty-six years and retired as a installer/repairman. He thoroughly enjoyed his job and his fellow co-workers. After his retirement in 2001, he enjoyed woodworking and helping his son-in-law in the construction business. Tom loved the outdoors, hunting, especially deer hunting with family, being out in his yard and watching the wildlife, going to his kids and grandchildrenchr(39)s sporting events, being a "substitute" daycare provider for his wife and daughter and taxi service for his grandkids. He also enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Tom is survived by his wife, Jane Schmitz of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; four children, Brenda (Mike) Labine of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; Brian (Jana) Schmitz of Wyoming, Minnesota; Stacy (Derek) Lee of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; Stephanie (Dan) Jorgenson of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; thirteen grandchildren, Dani, Steven and Brady Labine; Jake and Josh Schmitz, Zachary, Breanna and Mackenzie Lee; Hailey, Wesley, Hunter, Kaitlyn and Wyatt Jorgenson; three brothers, James (Paulette) Schmitz of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; Paul (Barb) Schmitz of Clearbrook, Minnesota; David (Robin) Schmitz of St. Michael, Minnesota; five sisters, Renee (Roger) Niemela of Park Rapids, Minnesota; Judy (Jim) Ryan of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; Carol (Stan) Lehrke of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota; Kathy (Mark) Wilkins of Park Rapids, Minnesota, Mary (Murray) Olson of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and two infant sisters.