Albert E. Schmitz, 84, Tolley, died Wednesday, October 10, 2007, in Minot.

Albert was born September 27, 1923, the son of John and Martha (Renz) Schmitz in Afton Township of Ward County, North Dakota. He was raised on the family farm and attended the country Frost School District in Afton Township.

On October 13, 1944, Albert had a pre-induction physical. On December 11, 1944 he was inducted into the army at Fort Snelling, MN. Albert was sent to Camp Wolters, TX for training. Albert proudly served in the Pacific Theater in Okinawa, Japan during WWII. He was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal. Then after being honorably discharged from the army, Albert returned to Minot where he was a mail carrier and also ran the Schmitz Standard Service.

Albert later moved to Tolley, ND where he worked for an area farmer. There he met and married June Atwood on June 27, 1948. They purchased a farm in Grover Township of Renville County where they raised their four children. He was a lifetime farmer and also raised various livestock over the years. He was a devoted John Deere farmer until the year 2000 when he stopped farming due to an illness. Even during his time of illness, Albert kept his sense of humor and was adored by many who got to know him.

Albert's greatest asset was his faith in God. Albert attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Tolley. It was there, upon moving to Tolley, that he joined a youth group and met his wife-to-be, June. He was active in the church serving for many years as an elder, a trustee, usher, Sunday School Superintendent, and teacher of the 7th and 8th grade Sunday School class; as well as many other capacities within the church. Albert also dearly loved and took care of his wife June and his children. When anyone was in need, Albert was there to lend a helping hand.

Albert enjoyed working on his farm, his tractors and other equipment. He was a very good mechanic and electrician. He served on the Grover Township board for 58 years and also worked part-time for USDA. Albert also enjoyed hunting with his family and friends. Over the years he enjoyed fishing, bowling, and square-dancing. He was also a life member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, June, Tolley; sons Dave Schmitz, Denver, CO; Daniel (Nancy) Schmitz, Bristol, IL; daughters Vicki (Rudy) Steinke, Minot, ND; Naomi (Patrick) Haye, Minot, ND. Grandchildren: Kisha Haye, Karl Haye, Benjamin Schmitz, Matthew Schmitz, Bethany Schmitz, Jonathan Schmitz, Anthony Steinke, Christa Steinke, and Jeffrey Steinke. Great-Grandson: Kyree Haye. Brothers: Arthur (Lois) Schmitz, Arlington, IL; Vernon Schmitz, Gresham, OR; sister: Helen Schultz, Portland, OR; numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and several cousins.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Alvin Schmitz, and a sister Dorothy Funderburk.

Funeral Service: Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment with military honors will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Friday, October 12, 2007, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to be sent to The Ministry to Armed Forces (LCMS World Missions), St. Louis, MO and The Second Story, Minot.