Todd David Schmitz

     Todd David Schmitz, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and dear friend of many, passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 62 at his home in Wheaton, Minnesota.

     He was born with a generous soul, a heart of gold, and a one-of-a-kind infectious and contagious laugh that everyone treasured. His voice could fill the room and bring joy in an instant.

     Todd was born in Wheaton, Minnesota, on July 30, 1962, to Dave and Carole Schmitz who raised him with unconditional faith, love, and support. He enjoyed growing up in a special small-town community helping his parents, David and Carole Schmitz, at the memorable Dave’s Bar. He graduated as part of the class of 1980 at Wheaton High School where he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Joetta Lupkes, or as he called her “my love.” They married on October 4th, 1986, and raised three boys, Erik, Reed, and Luke. In them, he instilled his love for the outdoors which continued to be a passion for each generation. He enjoyed seeing them excel in baseball, wrestling, football, and basketball and was proud to support them in their achievements. Along with his independent trucking business, his dedication, commitment, and contribution to the Wheaton Dumont Elevator and Vaughn Maudal Truck and Trailer were admired and respected for decades. Throughout his life, you could find him hunting, fishing, farming, or treasuring his second home at “the farm” where he shared so many once-in-a-lifetime memories with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, board games, and watching movies. Most often you could find a Labrador at his side, hanging out of his passenger door window or on his lap, as he always found a special bond with them. Todd was a valued community member, and his love grew more and more each year for the town of Wheaton and Traverse County where he spent the majority of his life. Todd was a member of Bethlehem Covenant Church and always had a soft spot in his heart for those in need, and he would always drop anything to lend a hand.

     Being a kid at heart himself, Todd always looked forward to having grandchildren. Once they arrived, they were the center of his world. They all shared in his joy and laughter and truly enjoyed being around their Grandpa Todd.

     Todd is survived and will always be remembered by those who loved him dearly; his wife of 38 years, Joetta Schmitz; his children: Erik (Samantha) Schmitz, Reed Schmitz, Luke (Micah) Schmitz; grandchildren: Laiken Paisley Schmitz, Gemma Scarlett Schmitz, Cannon David Schmitz, Easton Thomas Schmitz, McCoy Andrew Schmitz, Brewer David Schmitz; his mother: Carole Schmitz; his sister: Monica (Doug) Wilson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Lavonne Doll, Kathleen (Dan) Wagner, Katherine Rabel, Janel (Curt) Reiter, Lyle Lupkes, Linette Lupkes, Doreen (Tom) Sherwood, Jone (Doyle) Anderson, Cheryl (Glenn) Garcia, Dawn Julson, and Jackie (Bruce) Strader, and many nieces and nephews.

     We find solace in knowing Todd has been reunited with his father, David Schmitz, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, George and Dorothy Lupkes, who preceded him in death.

     Todd was greatly loved and will be profoundly missed by his loving family and friends.

     Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Covenant Church in Wheaton, Minnesota, with Pastor Tim Shekleton officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church. A burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton, Minnesota, at a later date.