Vernon M. Schmitz

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 27, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud, for Vernon M. Schmitz, 58, of St. Cloud, who died August 23, 2012, at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, surrounded by his wife and daughters. The Reverend Matthew Crane will officiate. Military Honors will be provided by the Minnesota National Guard Military Funeral Honors Team.
Visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 PM on Sunday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and from 9:30-10:30 AM on Monday at the Church. Parish prayers will be at 4:00 PM on Sunday at the Funeral Home in St. Cloud.
Vern was born February 7, 1954, in St. Cloud, to Othmar and Marilyn (Hennen) Schmitz. He graduated from Sartell High School. Vern served on the USS Shenandoah in the US Navy from 1972-1975. He married Bonnie Leikam on March 24, 1989. He worked in the construction field, and later started his own business as Vern Schmitz Construction. He was a member of the Eagles Aerie #622. Vern enjoyed watching the Vikings and Twins, and hosting the annual “Crolf” Tournament. He enjoyed being outside, spending time with family and friends, and storytelling.
Vern is survived by: wife Bonnie of St. Cloud; children: Amanda and Jessica, both of St. Cloud; parents Othmar and Marilyn of St. Joseph; brothers Dave (Marian) of St. Joseph, Ron (Diane) of South Haven, Dan (Cindy) of St. Joseph, Randy (Julie) of Green Bay, WI, Daryl of Toledo, OH, Todd (Kaylene) of Plymouth; brother-in-law Geatz Ethen; many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law Karen (Steve) Zupfer of Council Bluffs, IA, LaNette Leikam of New Ulm; and brother-in-law Brian Leikam of Shakopee.
He was preceded in death by his sister Doris Ethen.
Vern’s family would like to thank the compassionate staff at the VA Medical Center, Coborns Cancer Center and Friends and Family who were with us during this time.