John Sylvester Schmitz, age 74 of Annandale, passed away on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
John was born the son of Vincent and Cecelia (Schauff) Schmitz on Oct. 21, 1949 in Breckenridge, Minnesota.
On Sept. 12, 1970 John was united in marriage to Sharon (Uecker) at Zion Lutheran Church in Annandale by Pastor Herman Bentrup.
John owned and operated J and S Sod Service in Annandale before becoming an over the road truck driver working for various companies.
He enjoyed playing cribbage and other card games and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon; children, Tony Schmitz of Buffalo, Tammy (Tim) Hinz of South Haven and Todd Schmitz of Stillwater; grandchildren, A.J. and Colby Hinz; siblings, Michael (Jean) Schmitz of Cokato, Terry (Georgiann) Schmitz of Dayton, Paul (Aggie) Schmitz of Maple Lake, Charles (Melanie) Schmitz of Howard Lake, Jerome (Jane) Schmitz of Annandale, Francis (Mary) Schmitz of Buffalo, George Schmitz of Chiefland, Florida, Mary (Eugene) Amborn of Cokato and Ann (special friend, Cindy Boyd) Schmitz of Chiefland, Florida; sisters-in law Gail (Dave) Schwartz of Maple Lake, Sandy (Joe) Couette of Maple Lake and brother-in-law Darrell (Margie) Uecker of New Hope; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carl E. Schmitz; father-in-law and mother-in-law Lester and Leona (Koepke) Uecker.
Visitation for John was held Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Annandale.
Officiating will be Rev. Tyler R. LaGrave.
Casket bearers will be Troy Schwartz, Nate Couette, Matt Schwartz, Vinny Schmitz, Jack Uecker, Colby Hinz and Peter Schmitz
Interment will be in the Corinna Township Cemetery in Annandale.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.