***Please join the family for a Celebration of Life – Open House, which will be held for Joan on Sunday, May 15, 2022 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the Bison Creek Event Center (Huikkos) in Buffalo, MN***
Joan C. Schmitz passed away on December 3, 2020 at the Monticello Hospital.
Joan was born on May 22, 1942 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Henry and Agnes (Lasky) Leopold. Joan graduated from Johnson High School in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1960.
She was united in marriage to Zeno M. Schmitz on July 25, 1964, at St. Ambrose Church in St. Paul. She worked as a homemaker when her children were young.
On July 15, 1972, Joan moved with her family to Buffalo, Minnesota where she resided until 2019. She then moved to St. Benedict’s Senior Community in Monticello in November of 2019.
Joan valued learning and loved to read. She liked cooking, sewing, doing crafts, gardening, and trying new things. Joan enjoyed dancing and participated in square dancing, polka, and waltzing with her husband Zeno. She loved being with her family especially around Christmas time.
Joan was actively involved with her community. She enjoyed making many wonderful friendships and supporting her children in activities such as Catholic Education at St. Francis Xavier School, annual marathon for non-public education, 4H Club, Scouting, baseball, softball, swim lessons, and attending community events. Joan especially loved attending Buffalo days events such as the rodeo and parades.
She continued her education to become an (LPN), licensed practical nurse. Joan worked as an LPN for 19 years in Buffalo caring for the elderly. Joan also worked as a home health care nurse before her retirement.
Joan was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Buffalo, Minnesota and attended Mass whenever she was able. She was devoted to her faith and to praying the rosary. Joan sang in the church choir, was a member of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, enjoyed studying in her Bible group, and volunteering for eucharistic adoration. She traveled to the Holy Lands and to Medjugorje, which was a lifelong dream.
Survived by her children: Mary Schmitz (Daryl Jenkins) of St. Cloud, John (Kathy) Schmitz of Elk River, Ann (Rick) Bandemer of Sartell, and Jenny (Wesley) Gilbert of Foley; four grandchildren: Alexander, Robert, Elizabeth, and Cassandra; brother: Edward (Ella) Leopold of North Branch; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
A private Mass of Christian Burial for family only will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Interment to follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo. The service will be livestreamed and recorded–the link to watch is: https://vimeo.com/perkinsmedia/download/488695211/62425c4a87
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com
I am so sorry for your loss
My deepest condolences on the loss of you mom. I’m here for you!
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I worked with her at the Ebenezer, now Lake Ridge care center. She was a wonderful person. Always caring, helpful and always had a smile for everyone. May you and the families find peace and comfort in prayer.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom. I was one of the caregivers from Home Instead that took care of your mom, she was a very sweet lady and fun to be around. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers, she will be missed
A Beautiful Soul, May she rest in the Eternal Peace of Christ.
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. We were neighbors to your parents for many years when they lived in Buffalo. We always exchanged plates of cookies at Christmas time and talked when we saw each other at St. Francis. We missed seeing her walk down the sidewalk after she moved to Monticello. We have since moved to Dassel. God bless your family.