Mary Jane Schmitz

Obituary

Mary Jane (Kyllo) Schmitz was born on September 22, 1938, in Pine Island, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Elmer and Eleanor (Brandli) Kyllo.  Mary was baptized at home at the age of 4 years old. She was confirmed in her faith as a youth at Wanamingo Lutheran Church in Wanamingo, Minnesota.  Mary received her education in Wanamingo and graduated from Wanamingo High School.

On November 4, 1956, Mary was united in marriage to Dennis Schmitz at Wanamingo Lutheran Church in Wanamingo.  Mary and Dennis made their home in Norwood Young America, Minnesota, until retirement.  Their marriage was blessed with four children, Denise, Michelle, Jolene, and Jason. Mary and Dennis shared over 67 years of marriage.

Mary was taught at an early age to work hard and share and also to help wherever there was a need. Mary grew up in a family that was taught by their mother to sing four-part harmony.  When they had time, they would gather around the piano and sing old songs and hymns. They only had one hymnal so they had to memorize most of the songs.  Her mother would play the piano and in the later years, her sister Susan took over and would play.  Music was very important to Mary and she taught all the girls to sing when they were very young. For many years, Mary and Dennis enjoyed singing together and they sang in numerous choirs throughout their years including the community choirs The Tonettes and  “The Harmonaires.”

Mary was employed as a Bank Teller at the Citizens State Bank in Norwood Young America, Minnesota for 31 years. Church was a very important part of Mary’s life and she was a Christ-like servant. Wherever they lived, she was an active member of their church community. She was a very proud EMT volunteer and often donated blood to the Red Cross. Mary served as an election judge for the local polls.

Mary and Dennis loved spending time together; traveling to Arizona, spending time at their lake home, polka dancing, bowling, and playing cards. Spending time with her family and grandchildren was a time she greatly cherished.

Mary passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, at The Haven in Peace Village in Norwood Young America, Minnesota, at the age of 85 years, 11 months, and 20 days.  Blessed be her memory.

Mary is survived by her:
Husband, Dennis Schmitz of Norwood Young America, MN;
Children, Denise (Kevin) Anderson of Dubuque, IA,
                Michelle (Mark) Miller of Mesa, AZ,
                Jolene Schmitz of Hudson, WI,
                Jason (Carrie) Schmitz of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, David (Jessie) Anderson, John (Courtney) Anderson, Emily Anderson, Megan Miller, Matthew Miller, Levi Schmitz, Micah Schmitz, Simon Schmitz;
Great-Grandchildren, Leo, Gideon and Levi Anderson;
Siblings, Marlene (James) Haller; Eunice Warren, Stella (Stuart) Morton, Susan Johnson, Charles (Donna) Kyllo;
Brothers-in-law, Steve (Bonnie) Schmitz;
Sisters-in-laws Shirley Schmitz and Phyllis Lemke;
Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her Father and Mother, Elmer and Eleanor Kyllo; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Oscar and Agnes Schmitz; Siblings, Palmer (Mavis) Kyllo, Walton (Peg) Kyllo, Orion (Idella) Kyllo, Maurice “Bud” (Evelyn & Edith) Kyllo, Florence (Edward) Howie, Shirley (Donald) Schmitz, Marvin “Pete” Kyllo, Marna Kyllo; Brothers-in-law, Robert “Bill” Warren and Dale Johnson.