Alan Schmitz

OBITUARY Alan Nickolas Schmitz was born August 21st, 1950 to Chris and Lillian (Heinen) Schmitz. He attended Paynesville High School and Willmar Community College. Alan worked as Plant Supervisor at Jennie-O in Willmar and worked in the Engineering Department of Hormel. He married Janet Kotzenmacher on April 15th, 1972. They were married 18 years and had four children, while keeping a hobby farm in Spicer. Alan married LaVeda Holtberg on October 18th, 2002. She had two daughters and he cared for them as his own. They lived on Lake Geneva in Alexandria and owned/operated Lake Country Meats in Carlos for many years. After ?retiring? from the meat locker, Alan began owning and managing rental properties in and around Alexandria and surrounding communities. Alan was known as a hardworking man who was handy enough to fix just about anything. Alan loved outdoor life in all of its forms, from camping, skiing, boating, fishing and traveling. He was a stock car racer in his younger days and a motorcycle enthusiast his entire life. He spent his time making wine, smoking meats and as a volunteer with the Lions Club of Carlos. He also loved his Minnesota sports teams, none more than the Vikings. Some of Alan?s favorite memories were helping his grandchildren catch their first fish from his dock, his annual fishing trip with his brothers and nights by the fire with his wife and family. Alan will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Alan Schmitz died in his home on July 12th, 2014 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by all of his children and his loving wife. Alan is survived by his wife LaVeda Holtberg of Alexandria; his children Andrea (Shawn) Oman of Spicer, Paula (Matt) Guetter of Wabasso, Luke (Layne) Schmitz of Sauk Rapids, Lindsey Schmitz and Nakai Nelson of Los Angeles, CA, Melanie (Douglas) Pederson of Sartell, Amanda (Ryan) Gort of Cold Spring; his grandchildren Mitch and Shea Oman, Elijah and Kiera Schmitz, Damon and Megan Pederson, Alexandra Engel and Lillian, Abigail and Carson Gort; his brothers Vernon (Diane) Schmitz, Larry (Jeanne) Schmitz, David (Debbie) Schmitz, Myron (Joan) Schmitz and Marc (Jill) Schmitz; his sisters Mary Rutsis, Ione (Jack) Barron, Annette Schmitz and Renae McGinnity; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Karen and Martha. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, July 16th, 2014 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Father Steve Binsfield officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Casket Bearers were Mitch Oman, Shea Oman, Alexandra Engel, Damon Pederson, Megan Pederson and Morgyn McGinnity. Honorary Casket Bearers were Elijah Schmitz, Kiera Schmitz, Lillian Gort, Abigail Gort and Carson Gort. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net