Obituaries : Michael A. Schmitz

Michael A. Schmitz, 72, a "Benton County Farm Kid" at heart, and resident of Cedar Rapids, began his eternal rest on March 13, 2023.

Mike was born on Feb. 9, 1951, to Barb (Viktor) and Don Schmitz, and raised on a farm in rural Van Horne, Iowa. Throughout his life, he fondly recalled memories of hunting, fishing and learning to become a "jack of all trades" from his grandpa Tony (A.F.) Schmitz. A love of exploring the outdoors and solving problems served Mike well throughout his life. As a child, when he had found himself in a bit of "hot water" with his parents, he decided to leave the house, grab a bent nail and some string and go down to the creek to fish.

Mike was a proud Benton Bobcat, having attended Van Horne Consolidated and graduating from Benton Community in 1969. He was proud of his hometown, and loved to reminisce about the adventures he had with his parents, paternal grandparents and good friends.

After graduating high school, Mike attended Drake University, where the adventures continued. His time in Des Moines started the next chapter in his life, when he met the love of his life, Pamela Emerson.

Pam and Mike were married on June 27, 1970, in Des Moines, and embarked on many adventures together. They ran a restaurant in Monticello, lived the small town life in Van Horne, ran a Winery in Amana, and eventually settled in Cedar Rapids. Mike was extremely proud to have raised four children with Pam, and often mentioned how proud he was of each of his children for their own unique talents. To say Mike was proud of his family was an understatement.

Mike had a strong work ethic in the various jobs and hobbies he held. One of his prized hobbies was flying small engine aircraft. He retired from Rush & Nicholson Law Firm after several dedicated years of service in 2015. In his retirement years, Mike and his wife enjoyed watching their grandkids at their sporting events and being in the outdoors.

Mike's family was the joy of his life. Leaving to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Pam; mother, Barb; children, Joseph (Anneke) of Knoxville, Tenn., Ben Schmitz of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Carrie (Mason) Hoffmann of Newhall, Iowa, and Jake (fiancee, Aarika Stone) Schmitz of Ely, Iowa; grandchildren, Chael (Valerie), Zach and Mackenzie Schmitz, Brody and Norma Schmitz, and Charles Hoffmann; and great-grandchildren, Bentley and Parker Schmitz.

Services will be held at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home on Saturday, March 18, 2023. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Mike will then be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Van Horne, Iowa.