MN TYPE II: Active Non-LODD

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of AARON J SHMITZ age 46, of Melrose, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at Centracare Hospital in Melrose MN .

Aaron Joseph Schmitz was born September 25, 1975 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Florian and Rosella (Beilke) Schmitz. After graduating high school, he married Kim Toenyan on August 22, 1994 in Long Prairie, Minnesota. From this union, they had three children, Stephanie born in 1996, Derek born in 2004, and Jadyn born in 2007. Aaron worked at Burger King in Melrose working his way up to manager and ended his last two years as district manager. In 2017, Aaron began working at the Melrose Area School as food service manager. Working at the school was the perfect fit. He was well liked by all; students, coworkers, faculty, and parents. He could not go anywhere without giving a friendly hello. All will miss his wonderful personality and smile!

His passion for sports was evident to all. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball and continued his involvement with coaching, refereeing, umping, and helping with the scoreboard during sporting events. Aaron was an avid fisherman and enjoyed cooking and spending time with family.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. He served on the Melrose School Board and the Melrose Chamber of Commerce. Aaron had a heart for helping people. He joined the Melrose Fire Department as a volunteer and served alongside his friends, that became family, for more than 20 years.

Survivors include his wife, Kim Schmitz of Melrose; children, Stephanie Schmitz (Christian Botello), Derek Schmitz, and Jadyn Schmitz all of Melrose; brothers, Kris Schmitz of Sauk Rapids and Steve (Chandra) Schmitz and their children, Shaelyn, Layla, and Olivia of Sauk Centre; father and mother-in-law, Kenny and Shirley Toenyan of Long Prairie; brothers and sister-in-law, Chad (Vanessa) Toenyan of Big Lake, Shaun (Sarah) Toenyan of Litchfield, and Dana Botello (Jay Lenz) of Little Sauk; and seven nieces and nephews on the Toenyan side with one on the way.

Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, Florian and Rosie Schmitz.

Visitation

Date: Sunday, March 6, 2 – 7 p.m.
Location: St Mary’s Catholic Church, Melrose

Date: Monday, March 7, 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Location: St Mary’s Catholic Church, Melrose

Funeral

Date: Monday, March 7, 11 a.m.
Location: St Mary’s Catholic Church, Melrose
Type: Active Non-LODD

All Minnesota Firefighters are invited to support Firefighter Shmitz’s family and the celebration of his life. There will be a “Sea of Blue” at the church and at the cemetery.