Service Information
Ferdinand “Fritz” H. Schmeling, age 90, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, February 23, from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, with private family interment in St. Anastasia Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Memorials Preferred to the Hutchinson DAV, Cedar Mills Rod & Gun Club, Hutchinson Elks Lodge 2427 or the donor's choice.
Obituary
Ferdinand “Fritz” Harold Schmeling was born on August 2, 1934, in Acoma Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. He was the son of Bernhard and Ida (Schroeder) Schmeling. Fritz was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Acoma Township. Fritz renewed his faith as an adult at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He received his education in the Hutchinson Public School, District 15, and Immanuel Lutheran Schools.
On April 25, 1953, Fritz was united in marriage to Dororthy Jean Bjork at the St. Anastasia Parish House in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with four children, Mary, David, Brian, and Craig. Fritz and Dorothy resided in Hutchinson. They shared 56 years of marriage prior to the passing of Dorothy on January 6, 2010.
Fritz was employed at Minnesota, Mining and Manufacturing (3M) for 11 years. He owned and operated Schmeling Oil Company in Hutchinson for 32 years before retiring in 1997. Fritz was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Hutchinson Elks Lodge 2427.
Fritz enjoyed old time music, dancing, playing cards, collecting antiques, and going to flea markets. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
Fritz passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 90 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Fritz is survived by his:
Sons, David Schmeling and his wife, Lori of Minneapolis, MN,
Brian Schmeling and his wife, Christine of Hutchinson, MN,
Craig Schmeling and his wife, Megan of Hutchinson, MN;
8 Grandchildren, Paul, Anna, Peter, Ingrid, Andrea, Eric, Taylor and Jennifer;
12 Great-grandchildren, Luella, Freyja, August, George, Lucia, Hank, Rose, Camden, Callie, Ariana, Leo and Luca;
Brother, Louis Schmeling and his wife, Arlene of Hutchinson, MN;
Brother-in-law, Vern Lietzau of Hutchinson, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Fritz is preceded in death by his Parents, Bernhard and Ida Schmeling; Wife, Dorothy Schmeling; Daughter, Mary Schmeling; Grandson, Chad Schmeling; Sibling, Hazel (Lloyd) Dahlke, Phyllis (Henry) Stern, Janet Lietzau.
Cheryl Reece says
My thoughts and prayers to the Schmeling family. I had a lot of wonderful chats with Fritz. What a sweet and special man he has been and also a very kind and long-time family friend over the years. So many wonderful memories with my Grandma and Grandpa Froemming. I guess his sweet Valentine, Dorothy, was calling him home today: and I’m sure he was so happy to see her again. Always smiling… Rest peacefully Fritz.
Taylor (Schmeling) Garcia says
That is exactly what I said too. After 15 years Grandma was ready to have her Valentine back with her
Gary Hotovec says
July 1, 1975 we moved into our house we bought on NE 11th St in Hutchinson. We had no idea at that time what wonderful neighbors we had just across the street. Fritz, Dorothy & family were just the best. Last fall I brought Fritz his favorite breakfast, a takeout container of sausage gravy & biscuits, at noon at Harmony River. The smile on his face was from ear to ear was precious. He just savored every bite he had. I’ll never forget that smile!! Holly & I send our deepest sympathy to David, Brian & Craig along with their families. Gary & Holly Hotovec
Willy & Renee Wendorff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schmeling family, Had many good conversations with him,Rest in peace,Fritz
Elaine Malchow says
To Brian and Craig and family my deepest sympathy to you all. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time
Cindy Dahlke Adams and family says
Dave, Bryan, Craig and families: Our deepest sympathies during this time. Uncle Fritz was a kind hearted person who always brought common sense to many situations. He will be missed.Payers for all dueing this loss.
SANDY WRIGHT says
Deepest Sympathy to the Schmeling Family. Many good memories of fishing on the pontoon, going out to eat and getting together at each others homes. Fritz was a GREAT man and will be missed by many. He is home with Dorothy. God Bless. Love, Sandy Wright
Nita Totushek says
Schmeling families,
So sorry for your loss. I remember when you had the station across from VFW & dad & mom (Lloyd & Delores Rath) would go there.
One of the last full service stations. Fritz always had a smile.
Patty Marconcinii says
Schmeling family..so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad…have your family in my thoughts
Steve and Darla Jansick says
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Marjorie Hemmann and the late Gary Hemmann says
My deepest sympathies to the Schmeling Family. Fritz and Dorothy were wonderful people. Always smiling. Brian and Craig kept our tanks full on the farm.
DOUG AND JEANNE TUMAN says
FRITZ WAS OUR 1ST. DELIEVER GUY 59 YRS. AGO, OUR SYMPATHIES TO ALL THE SCHMELINGS.
Fern Hoff says
We are sending sympathy and caring to the Schmeling family. We always enjoyed visiting with Fritz at MN breakfasts in AZ. May God comfort you at this time.
Gary and Fern Hoff
James Marka says
Very, very nice honest man
Jerry Busse says
Thoughts and prayers are with the Schmeling Family!! He Ran a Great business and taught his Children A lot about Customer service!! Hey took care of me when I needed Gas at the Station and my Parents at Home with Fuel Oil!! Great Guy!!
Katie says
Fritz was a regular customer of mine for many years, always enjoyed his fun demeanor, always happy to be around others. What an amazing soul
Jim Fahey says
Fritz was one of the first people we met when we moved to Hutchinson in 1978. He was a kind and loyal friend who always took great care of our family with a smile on his face and a quick joke. Blessings to the whole family.
Jim & Linda Fahey
Patricia Lang says
Fritz was a great friend to my dad, LeRoy Gehrke. He picked him up over the years to go for coffee or picnics at my home. He was always very kind and we enjoyed his company. He never came without a hostess gift and always was the most gracious for the invite. We will miss him!
Patty(Gehrke)Lang
Mike & Ruby Bauer says
Fritz was my first boss who later became a good friend. My thoughts go out to the entire family. Fritz will be missed
Bobbi Cogley Ludewig says
So sorry for your loss. I knew Fritz and Dorothy from St. Anastasia. He was a wonderful man.
Bonnie Karl says
Our prayers are with you all.
Fritz was a wonderful person, he used to sit and visit when he stopped in at the bank. He always had stories to tell, I enjoyed visiting with him.
Rick and Bonnie Karl
LUANNE KROEGER says
MY SYMPATHY TO THE SCHMELING FAMILY-BUTCH WORKED FOR FRITZ AND SONS AT GAS STATION, AND THEY WERE GREAT BOSSES ANS WONDERFUL FRIENDS. GOD”S BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU.