James K. Schmitz

James K. Schmitz, age 50, a lifelong resident of Hastings passed away surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis. Jim was born December 3, 1963 in Hastings to Lawrence and Jeannette (Johnson) Schmitz. He was a 1982 graduate of Hastings High School and worked as a marine mechanic with 61 Marine Sports in Hastings. Jim was a master mechanic and could fix anything. He loved spending time with his children, fishing, boating and making us all laugh. He was preceded in death by his father Lawrence Schmitz and mother Jeannette (Johnson) Schmitz Niederkorn; also his grandparents. Jim is survived by his children Nicolas and Rachel Schmitz; siblings Linda Larson of Hastings, Lee (Sherry) Schmitz of Hastings, Steven Schmitz of AZ, Beth Warters of Daytona Beach, FL and Ann (Jeff Aegerter) Schmitz of Cottage Grove; his soul mate Jane Pike of Hastings; nieces Britt, Dana, Sarah and Corah; nephews Owen and Carson; also extended family, cousins and friends. The Funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. David Hennen will be held 10:30 AM Monday, November 24 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 West Fifteenth St, Hastings. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held 2-6 PM Sunday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 East Seventh Street, Hastings and one hour prior to mass at church. Pallbearers are Tom Lucking, Dan Nicklay, Joe Wical, John Kranz, Owen Schmitz, Keith Bibelheimer, Brian Lindberg and Dave Beskau. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.