Daniel Schmitz

Daniel Gregor Schmitz was born on September 28, 1956, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Donald and Elaine (Gibbon) Schmitz. He attended Jefferson Elementary School in St. Paul through the 3rd grade. His family moved to Verndale, Minnesota where he attended Verndale High School, graduating with the class of 1974. Dan attended Wadena Technical College to further his knowledge and interest in the automotive industry.

Dan was employed at the Verndale Feed Store for a short time before working for Uselman Electric. He spent time building silos and worked for a while in the construction industry. In 1995, Dan farmed in Wing River Township on the Schmitz family farm. Dan began his employment with Verndale Public Schools as a bus driver in 2005.

Dan enjoyed riding his Harley, farming, tinkering with machinery, and spending time with family and friends.

On December 17, 2021 Daniel passed away at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota at 65 years of age. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Preceding Daniel in death are his parents: Donald and Elaine; sister: Lauren; and grandson Hunter.

Daniel is survived by his daughters: Dierdre (Shawn) Zeigler of Hastings; Jasmine; Mary Gail of Menahga; sons: Dalton of Verndale; and Michael of Menahga; grandchildren: Zaciya and Zaire; brother: Kenneth (Val) Schmitz; many other relatives and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, Minnesota. Prayer Service and Sharing Time will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Chris Schmitz officiating.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Dan’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Wadena, Minnesota.