David Schmitz

1943 - 2025

David Schmitz

December 26, 1943 - September 6, 2025

David Kent Schmitz died on September 6th, 2025, at the age of 81, in a tragic helicopter accident.

Dave was born on December 26, 1943, in Spooner, Wisconsin, to James and Julia (Neste) Schmitz. Dave was a proud graduate of Spooner High School, class of 1962. Dave continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Following college graduation, he bravely served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed a tour in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot inserting and extracting troops to the battlefield and as a Medevac to pick up the wounded from the combat zone. He received three Air Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and other recognitions as part of the Purple Fox squadron. After the war, while stationed in Southern California, Dave's life took a wonderful turn when he met Ellen at a teacher/Marine dance and started a whirlwind romance. Their connection was immediate and profound, leading them to marry just three months later. They were married for 49 beautiful years. Their life together was built on a foundation of love, laughter, and shared interests. Dave's devotion to Ellen was unwavering, especially as he cared for her through a long illness. He made sure she never missed out on any of life's adventures. After his military service, Dave owned a bike shop in California before returning to his roots in Spooner to take over the family grocery store, Schmitz's Super Valu. He successfully expanded the business from 10 to 150 employees, at one time owning two additional stores and moving the business to a new location to become Schmitz's Economart. His commitment to the community was evident through his multiple presidencies in Lions Club, Spooner Hospital Board, Spooner Golf Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Washburn County Republicans, as well as many veteran and flying groups. Dave took hobbies to the highest level, which led him to form deep and lasting friendships everywhere he went. His love for aviation was a constant throughout his life. In addition to being an expert pilot, he refabricated a WWII Stearman and restored a WWII Harvard IV (A-T6) trainer. He flew with the T6 Thunder over many parades and funerals commemorating WWII veterans. He bought a Huey helicopter, continuing to honor veterans at many events. Dave was a legend. Known for his dry wit, generosity, loving nature, loyal friendships, and an inspirational leadership style, with an adventurous spirit. His family and friends will deeply miss him.

Dave is survived by his children, Gretchen (Scott) Buxton, Ingrid (Corey) Ney, and Theodore (Laura) Schmitz; and nine cherished grandchildren, Henry, June, Elizabeth, Liam, Oliver, Samantha, Margaret, David, Phoebe; his brother, James (Arlene) Schmitz, and many nieces and nephews. Dave is welcomed into heaven by his parents, James and Julia Schmitz, his beloved wife, Ellen, and many others whom he loved. A Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 10 a.m., with a reception at Warbirds North Airport, W7953 County E, Spooner WI at 12 p.m. Burial with military honors will take place at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the EAA Chapter 631 Scholarship at N7420 Trego Haven Road, Trego, WI 54888, or the Spooner Memorial Library's building fund at 421 High Street, Spooner, WI 54801. Online memories and or condolences may be left at www.bratley-nelsonchapels.com