Alvin G. J. Schmitz, 86, rural Minot, died Sunday, September 23, 2007 in a Minot Hospital.

Alvin was born February 6, 1921, 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.

Alvin took over the operation of the farm and eventually purchased the land, raising small grains. He lived his entire life in Afton Township as a farmer. Alvin had also worked part-time with Minot Implement Company from 1956-1972.

Alvin was a lifetime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot, where he was active as an Elder, Trustee, Usher and Choir member. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, National Republican Party and John Deere Two-Cylinder Club. He was a former member of the ND Farm Bureau and Farmers Union.

Alvin enjoyed bowling in local leagues and was a former hunter and fisherman. In his later years, he enjoyed driving through the countryside to see the crops. He also enjoyed his trees and the nature which lived among the trees.

He is survived by: brothers: Arthur (Lois) Schmitz, Arlington Heights, IL,Albert (June) Schmitz, Tolley, ND, and Vernon Schmitz, Gresham, OR;sister: Helen Schultz, Portland, OR; several cousins, a number of nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Alvin loved all of his family, he was a caring brother, a special uncle and a good friend to all who knew him. Through the years, he became especially close and developed a relationship as a second grandfather to his grand-nephew and grand-niece, Anthony and Christa. He was a very important part of their family.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Dorothy Funderburk.

Funeral service : Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment : Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Friday from 2:00-7:00pm in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot, LCMS World Missions or Trinity Cancer Care Center.