Elizabeth "Betty" M. Schmitz

Elizabeth “Betty” Schmitz, 84, a resident of Fergus Falls, formerly of Pelican Rapids, died Monday, February 16, 2015, surrounded by her loving family, Pioneer caregivers and under the care of Lakeland Hospice, at Pioneer Cottages in Fergus Falls.

Elizabeth Mary was born September 17, 1930 in Buffalo, North Dakota, the daughter of Paul and Esther (Paulson) Wichman. Betty attended Buffalo High School, graduating in 1948 and continued on to Interstate Business College, graduating in 1949.

On April 12, 1958 Betty was united in marriage to Benjamin Joseph Schmitz in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Betty worked at Homan Telephone Company and Park Region Oil Coop in Pelican Rapids for several years.

She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, Pelican Rapids Women’s Civic Club and Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids.

Betty enjoyed gardening, sewing, making crafts, camping and volunteering at church. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Paul and Esther; and brothers, Dale & Glen Wichman; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her husband, Benjamin of Fergus Falls; children, Timothy (Florence) Schmitz of Hinckley, Barbara (Richard) Groth of Moorhead, Steven Schmitz of Arlington and Lori (Scott) Kvidt of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Andy, Jeff, Danny and Amy Schmitz, Sara and Melissa Groth, Alex and Eric Kvidt; sisters-in-law, Irene Hemmesch, Mary Ann Mikrot, Bernie Schmitz, Virginia Schmitz; special nephews, Alan (Rita Wilczek) and Carl Wichman, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2015 with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids
Clergy: Reverend Phil Johnson and Chaplain Harry Olson
Interment: Ringsaker Cemetery in Pelican Rapids
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com