Alois Christ Schmitz

Alois (Al) Schmitz, age 83, passed away on August 26, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Fridley, Minnesota.

Al was born into a large farming family on October 9, 1941, in Richmond, Minnesota. After marrying Lorraine Thorne on September 6, 1965, the couple lived in St. Cloud, and then moved to Anoka where they resided for the rest of their lives and raised their six children. 

Al graduated from Sauk Centre High School and went on to build a career that spanned several decades in the food distribution industry. He worked at Purity Milk, Red Owl, and later Supervalu, as a proud Teamsters Union truck driver contributing to each with dedication and consistency.

Al is survived by daughter Connie Stokes (Colin), son David Schmitz (Liane), son Mark Schmitz (Gina), daughter Cheryl Dischinger (Donald), son James Schmitz (Laura), and son Robert Schmitz (Kristina). His memory also lives on among his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Al is preceded in death by loving wife Lorraine Schmitz, father Alois Schmitz, mother Mary Schmitz, mother-and father-in law Rita and Edwin Thorne, brothers Richard, Leon, Donald and Florian. Sisters Susan and Edna, sisters-in-law Betty and Rosella, and brothers-in-law Jerry, Raphael, and Leonard. 

Visitation will be 10am Tuesday September 16 at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Anoka MN with funeral mass to follow at 11am. Lunch will be served following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be sent to St Jude's Shrine for Masses and Poor Clare Monastery.