LeRoy Schmitz, 87
LeRoy N. Schmitz, 87, of New Prague, died Monday, Aug. 30, 2010, at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague.
He was born May 22, 1923, in Helena Township, Scott County, a son of Sigmund and Anna (Schommer) Schmitz. A lifelong resident of the New Prague/St. Benedict area, he attended St. Benedict Catholic School and was a crop and dairy farmer. LeRoy served in the U.S. Army (1945-46) and married Verena Sand on June 3, 1947, at Marystown. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, St. Benedict Men's Society, New Prague Sportsmen, Eagles and served as a Helena Township Supervisor (28 years). LeRoy loved playing cards, was a proud veteran and enjoyed time with family and friends.
He is survived by seven children Gloria (Keith) Peters, Minneapolis, Linda (Scott) Rudie, Plymouth, Bonnie (Roger) Buesgens, Waconia, Gary (Sue) Schmitz, Belle Plaine, Rick (Brenda) Schmitz, New Prague, Debbie (Tim) Rud, Lonsdale and Becky (Myron) Brahee, Cologne; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and siblings Milo (Gen) Schmitz, New Prague, Lavina Svihel, New Prague and Amanda Shimota, New Prague.
He was preceded in death by his wife on August 4, 1995; A grandson Ryan Samuelson; his parents; and siblings Clarence, Erwin, Jerome and Ralph Schmitz.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m., at St. Benedict Catholic Church in St. Benedict, with Rev. David Barrett officiating.
Interment will be at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in New Prague. Pallbearers will be grandsons Chad Buesgens, Eric Schmitz, Dan Rud, Brian Rud, Bob Samuelson and Nick Samuelson.
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague.
