GALLIS MARTIN SCHMITZ

Posted

August 31, 1931—September 1, 2020

   NORWALK - Gallis Martin Schmitz, 89, of rural Norwalk, WI, passed away on his farm, in the arms of his loving family, Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Gallis was born August 31, 1931, to Hubert and Loretta (Baus) Schmitz. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School on the ridge. When he was out of school he joined his father, hauling milk and cheese to Richland Center daily.

   Gallis was drafted into the U.S. Air Force in the early 1950s. He came home on furlough to marry his sweetheart, Betty Crocker. They were united in Holy Matrimony on St. Mary’s Ridge, October 8, 1952. For the next few years, during Gallis’ active duty, they lived in Dover, Delaware. When Gallis was honorably discharged, he and Betty returned home to do what he loved most - farm.

   He spent almost every day of his life on the land where he was born and raised. It was also the beloved land where he and Betty would raise their six children and his children would raise theirs. He was a lifelong member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church on St. Mary’s Ridge, Cashton, WI.

   Gallis is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Betty; six children, Thomas (Maria) Schmitz of Tomah, Debra (Rick) Stark of Sparta, Jeff (Kathy) Schmitz of Norwalk, Laurie Schauf of Sparta, Steve (Sue) Schmitz of Norwalk, and Brian (Roxane) Schmitz also of Norwalk; grandchildren: Wayne (Melissa) Schmitz, Bobbi Jo (Adam) Moore, Nicole (Dustin) Downing, Chris (Courtney) Stark, Adam (Kristi) Schmitz, Amy Schmitz, Allyson (Brett) Olson, Aaron (Sarah) Schmitz, Amelia Schmitz (Jared Laudon), Samuel (Lauren) Schauf, Isaac (fiancée, Haylee Laufenberg) Schauf, Noah Schauf, Kelli Hundt, Jamie Schmitz (Jim Hoesley), Nathan (Megan) Schmitz, Brandon (fiancée, Amy Fritsch) Schmitz, Jaden Schmitz and Katelyn Schmitz; brothers and sisters: Cletus “Pete” (Mary) Schmitz of Norwalk, Joyce Dunnum of Owatonna, MN, Caroline (Donald) Wavra of La Crosse, James (Melissa) Schmitz of Montfort; sisters-in-law, Darlene Schmitz of Cashton and Carol Keller of Key Largo, FL; brothers-in-law, Robert “Bob” (Jane Lashmett) Gilbeck of Holmen, WI, and Duane (Mary) Crocker of West Salem; 15 great-grandchildren; along with many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

   Gallis was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Loretta Schmitz; sisters, Geraldine “Toots” Gilbeck and Helen “Jenny” (Glenn) Muehlenkamp; brother, Eugene “Mike” Schmitz; brothers-in-law, Kenneth and Donald Crocker, and Jim Dunnum; and a sister-in-law, Mary Schmitz.

   A Mass of Christian burial was held Friday, September 4, 11:00 a.m. at the Nativity of The Virgin Mary Catholic Church on St. Mary’s Ridge, WI. Father Eric Berns and Father Michael Klos officiated. Burial with full military honors followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was held at the church Thursday, September 3, 2020, beginning at 3:30 p.m. with a prayer service and concluding at 8:00 p.m.

   The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton assisted the family with arrangements.

   Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com

Torkelson Funeral Home