Kyle Schmitz

A prayer service and luncheon in memory of Kyle will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls on Saturday, May 11 at 11 am with his cousin, Father Adam Hamness, officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Interment will take place in a private ceremony this summer.
Kyle Lee Anthony Schmitz was born August 6, 1986 (8/6/86 as he liked to say) in Thief River Falls, MN to Paul and Peggy (Dargon) Schmitz. He was baptized at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls and attended elementary at St. Joseph's School. Kyle grew up on the family farm west of Red Lake Falls. As a youngster he enjoyed playing on the swing set his dad built from railroad ties, riding the three-wheeler and snowmobile, helping his mom gather eggs, and playing Ninja Turtles with his sisters. Kyle was a sweet and caring boy who loved animals, especially his chocolate lab, Dooley. During his teenage years he played baseball, football, and hockey for the Lafayette Eagles. He graduated from Lafayette High School with the class of 2005.
After graduation, Kyle ventured to California with a friend and worked as an auto detailer at Bellflower Collision. Upon returning to Minnesota, he became a cook at Joe DiMaggio's in Red Lake Falls and later worked as a machinist in Crookston. Kyle moved to Grand Forks, ND in 2012 and began employment with JL Beers as a cook, quickly working his way up to manager due to his strong work ethic and reliability. This was a position he held for 10 years. Kyle had a life-long love of softball and played for Johnny's Lounge and Casino in Grand Forks. His team was very successful, taking first place in several local tournaments from 2015-2019. They won Summerfest's annual Simon Schmitz Softball Slam twice, in 2015 and 2017, and earned a consolation trophy for competing in the McQuade, the country's largest non-profit slow-pitch tournament, also in 2017. Described by friends as kind, funny, and sarcastic, Kyle enjoyed playing a good hand of poker and spending quality time getting into shenanigans with "The Crew."
Kyle met the love of his life, Audrae, in 2020. She relocated later that year, and the couple made their home in Grand Forks. They were united in marriage on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2022. Kyle and Audrae were homebodies at heart who enjoyed cooking, watching movies, playing cards, and being with their fur babies. Audrae was a ray of sunshine for Kyle and truly filled his last years with hope, love, and happiness.
Kyle is survived by his loving wife Audrae Schmitz of Grand Forks, his mother Peggy Schmitz of Red Lake Falls, mother-in-law Patricia Wellbaum of Parma Heights, OH, siblings Seleena Navar of Bemidji, Kelly (Sean) Hicks of Red Lake Falls, Rochelle (Marshall) Mickelson of Red Lake Falls, and Corey Dufault of Winona, nephew Vin Navar, nieces Bridget Hicks, Vanessa Hicks, and Charlize Porraz, grandparents Duane and Vicki Dargon of Mentor, many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his CREW.
He was preceded in death by his father Paul Schmitz, grandparents Alois and Dorine Schmitz and Mary DeMarais, brother-in-law Christopher Navar, uncle Greg Hamness, and infant cousin Emma Proulx.
Kyle Schmitz passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at his home in Grand Forks, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 37 years, 8 months, and 26 days. He had a good life and was loved. May his memory be blessed.
Kyle's family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Hospice of the Red River Valley for their care of Kyle in his final days at home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations be made to Johnson Funeral Service.