Loretta Schmaltz

Loretta Evelyn Schmaltz, 70, a resident of Fergus Falls, entered eternal life on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born a special person the 5th of 16 children on March 31, 1943, in Tintah, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Henry and Louise (Thoennes) Petermann and special niece of Jack and Nellie Petermann. She grew up in Wheaton and Tintah, graduating from Tintah High School with the Class of 1962.

She learned at an early age how to “mother” children when she helped with caring for her baby brother Robert at the age of eleven. Loretta often shared stories about how much she enjoyed spending time with and caring for Robert.

She was a waitress at Cal’s Diner in Breckenridge MN when she met her “honey” and lifelong marriage partner of 49 years, 9 months, and 5 days, Kenneth Schmaltz. They were married on July 25, 1963 at St. Galls Catholic Church in Tintah. After their marriage they lived in Fargo ND, Fergus Falls MN, Rugby ND, Morris MN, and returned to Fergus Falls in 1978 where she made her home until her death.

Loretta’s primary occupations were as a mother and a homemaker, roles in which she took the greatest pride. As her children grew older and were in school, she enjoyed providing child care and working with people in a nursing home. In addition, she enjoyed waitressing at a Fergus Falls restaurant.

She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America-Little Flower Court 1193 of Rugby ND, a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 612, and a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.

Baking after-school treats for her children was one of her favorite activities – chocolate chip and chocolate oatmeal cookies and her secret recipe banana bread were frequent favorites on the table when her children got off the bus. She loved doing jig saw and crossword puzzles; word searches; collecting spoons, salt and pepper shakers, and dolls; reading, including the Daily Word; and gardening. Family and friends were very important to her.

She will be forever remembered for waving out the window as family and visitors left after visits, her loving kisses, her warm embrace, her big bright smile, and her wonderful sense of humor. Above all else, she loved her husband, children and grandchildren with all her heart, and was an exceptional wife, mother, and grandmother who will be dearly missed. She took special care to make certain her husband, children, and grandchildren knew they were loved through words and acts of kindness.

Preceding her in death were her parents; sisters, Ramona Lehman, Theresa Wellnitz, and Barbara Fink; brothers, Stanley, John, and Herbert Petermann; brother-in-law Frank Fink Jr.; niece Lori Ann Wellnitz, sister-in-law Beverly Petermann; nephews, Kurt Hilzendager, Glen Kruize Jr, Frankie Fink III, and Adam Petermann; a great-nephew Billy Morgan; and her father-in-law, Peter Schmaltz.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth Schmaltz of Fergus Falls; her four daughters, Kathleen Schmaltz (Robert Slavick) of Mandan ND, Angela Boe of Fargo ND, DeAnna (Rick) Fruth of Big Lake MN, and Lisa Schmaltz of Fargo ND, and her only son, Kevin (Karen) Schmaltz of Dilworth MN; grandchildren: Robert Daniel, Kaitlyn and Kathryn Slavick; Jordan Boe, Andrew Schmaltz, Darian and Sebastian Fruth; Tyson Nguyen and Jamie Mull; Joshua (Logan), Amanda, Brandon, and Matthew Schmaltz; sisters: Mary (Sam) Wellnitz, Patty (Glen) Kruize, Francis (Paul) Jennen, and Maureen (James) Wichael; brothers: James, Leon (Vicky), Robert (Cheryl), David (Joyce), and Henry (Marcia) Petermann; her mother-in-law, Mary Schmaltz; sister-in-laws Sharon Petermann and Dorothy Petermann; brother-in-law Lawrence Lehman; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Visitation: 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with Rosary and Parish Prayers beginning at 3:30 p.m. and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2013, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Father Tim Wenzel and Deacon Chuck Kampa
Interment: St. Otto’s Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.