Kenneth Joseph Schmitz

Kenneth Joseph Schmitz, 74, of Ellsworth, died as the result of a tragic accident on December 22, 2023.

He was born October 10, 1949 in Ladysmith, Wisc. to Henry and Hazel (Swaney) Schmitz. He grew up in Bruce, Wisc. and graduated from Bruce High School, class of 1967. On April 27, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Baranowski at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bruce. Ken then went to welding school in Tulsa, Oklahoma before he and Jeanne moved to the east coast for work. Eventually, they returned home to Wisconsin and for more than 20 years Ken worked for Neufab Specialty Fabricators in Red Wing. He retired in 2015.

Ken loved the outdoors, working in the woods, and spending time in nature. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and canoeing with his family. He was a talented woodworker and spent many hours in his shop crafting beautiful things for his family and friends. Ken was kind and loving. He knew how to make everyone feel important and like they mattered. He made friends easily and wasn’t afraid to strike up a conversation with most anyone.  He cherished his time with his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the apples of his eye. Ken believed the greatest lessons learned in life were how to be kind and to love one another and to pay attention to the little things your children and grandchildren can teach you.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; son, Gregory (Angie Sue) of Baldwin; daughter, Angie (Jason) Bellerive of Pepin; 4 grandchildren, Natasha Schmitz, Andrea Schmitz, Hannah Bellerive, and Christian Schmitz; 3 great-grandchildren, Laila Riley, Cora Riley and Althea Schmitz-Neisius; sisters, Kathie Nielsen, Mary (Roger) Bebie; and brother, Joseph (Julie) Schmitz; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his nieces, Kelsey Schmitz and Margaret Gartrell; and his parents.

A private family service will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family requests that you plant a tree in memory of Ken.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com Arrangements with the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Ellsworth Chapel.