Arthur (Art) Schmitz, age 91, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully at New Perspectives Assisted Living in Eagan, on January 16, 2024. Art had a strong faith, loved his family with his whole heart and awaited the time when he could be in heaven. Art was born on March 20, 1932 to Leo and Caroline Schmitz. As a young man, Art went to work near Dassel, MN helping on a friend’s farm. In 1951, he joined the Navy with his brother Bill and was stationed in Norfolk, VA for 2 years. On October 10, 1952, he was united in marriage to Delores Robertson, and they were blessed with three children: Cheryl, Mark and Tammy. The family moved to Cottage Grove and Art held several positions with Western/Delta Airlines and retired after 35+ years. He spent his retirement years cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, helping with home improvements and became a great hobbyist woodworker making many gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings. Art will be lovingly remembered by his children, Cheryl (Roger) Vang, Mark (Cyndi) Schmitz and Tammy (Dan) Hingst; and stepdaughters, Kay Smith, Kim Luedtke (Maureen) and Sherri (Dennis) Notermann; grandchildren Jeremy (Sarah) Vang, Krista Randall, Ben (Lindsey) Schmitz, Hailey (Zach) Jacobson, Justin (Michaela) Hingst , Aaron (Monica) Hingst, Michael Smith; and 8 great grandchildren. siblings: Clarence (Mary) Schmitz, Melvin (Judy) Schmitz, Geraldine (Jim) Peterson, and Jeanette Davis as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Delores, his 2nd wife Janet, 5 brothers: Don, Kenneth, William Raymond, and Julian, and sisters, Mildred and Elizabeth. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets, MN, with a time for visitation one hour before. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery immediately following the service.