Thomas Anthony Schmitz

Thomas Anthony Schmitz, age 96 of Perham, MN passed away on Tuesday, August, 25, 2026 at Ecumen-Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.

He was born in Perham, MN on October 27, 1929 to Tony and Hildegarde Schmitz. He graduated from Perham High School in 1948. He attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He married the love of his life, Joan Gaida on June 30, 1952.

Tom and his brother, Ray, worked with their father, Tony, the founder of Schmitz Ford Garage. They took over the business in 1950 and have remained a thriving part of the Perham community for many years. Tom was also an avid photographer, hunter, and fisherman. He took many photos and movies of every family event and often you could find him casting a line or tracking game in the woods.

During their retirement, Tom and Joan continued to travel. Their many trips took them to almost every state in the USA and also to far away countries including China, Australia, Norway, and Japan.

He is survived by his children, Mary Veldhouse, Tim (Nancy) Schmitz, Cathie (Jim) Peterson, Carol (Mike) Rengel, and Jennifer Conzemius; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Joan; brother Ray; and son-in-law, Clint Conzemius.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary starting at 6:15 p.m. and a Time of Sharing at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham, followed by the Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Henry’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Saint Henry’s Area School.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com