Julian Franklin Schmitz

JULIAN FRANKLIN SCHMITZ February 1, 1934 – April 9, 2021 Julian Franklin Schmitz, age 87, of Fargo, ND, formerly a long time resident of Park Rapids, MN, peacefully passed from this life into eternal life on Thursday, April 9, 2021 at Bethany on University in Fargo. Julian was born on February 1, 1934 on his parent’s farm near Two Inlets, MN, as the 7th of the 12 children born to Leo and Carolyn (Taskey) Schmitz. It was here that Julian grew through his boyhood years attending country school in Two Inlets and helping on the family farm. As a young boy of 13, Julian ventured out on his own to Western North Dakota where he worked on a farm for an elderly couple. After several years he came back to MN and helped his father and brothers in a family logging operation. As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Wasp. He served throughout the Pacific during the Korean War, heavily patrolling the waters off Korea. On January 7, 1956, he was united in marriage to Audrey Jean Rooney in San Diego, CA. After his discharge in October of that year, they returned to Park Rapids where their first daughter, Susan was born. Not being able at that time to find work locally, Julian commuted to Minneapolis where he found employment working for a printing company. Shortly after the birth of their second daughter, Rebecca, they left Park Rapids and moved to Brooklyn Park where his third daughter, Pamela was born. While working days, he attended night school, studying Pipefitting/HVAC at Dunwoody Institute, working hard to insure a better future for his family. In 1960, Julian began working as an apprentice pipefitter for Fred Vogt and Company. Through his good work ethic and acquired skills he quickly became a journeyman for the company. In 1969, after 12 years of living in the city, Julian moved with his family back to the Park Rapids area where he and his family had built a new home on Hinds Lake south of Park Rapids. At that time, Julian’s entrepreneurial spirit led the young family to buy the A &W restaurant in Park Rapids and to begin his own heating and cooling business in Park Rapids. In the early 1970’s, they sold the A&W and began operating a clothing store on Main street. He also purchased the Farmers Elevator in Park Rapids which he operated until the late 1970’s. Julian enjoyed working in agriculture and operated the Park Rapids Bean Plant for the Bush Brothers Bean Company from the early 1980’s until the mid-1990’s. Julian who loved to work and was not interested in retirement, continued driving truck over the road for multiple companies until retiring at age 80. His life was deeply saddened at the death of his wife and faithful partner for 56 years, Audrey in 2012. He moved to Fargo in 2014. Julian suffered a stroke in 2015 and another more debilitating one in 2020, which caused him to become a resident of Bethany on University. He was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Park Rapids where he served on the parish council and sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the Park Rapids Eagles for many years. Above all, he loved spending time with his children and mentoring his grandchildren and teaching them many life skills and the power of working hard and smart. He will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters: Susan (Ken) Knoll of Burnsville, MN, Rebecca (Dan) Lubbesmeyer of Frazee, MN and Pam (Greg) Junes of Menahga; eight dearly loved grandchildren; 19 precious great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; seven siblings: Betty Bickerstaff of FL, Arthur Schmitz of the Twin Cities, Clarence (Mary) Schmitz of Two Inlets, MN, Mildred (Richard) Stanek of the Twin Cities, Melvin (Judy) Schmitz of Fargo, Geraldine (Jim) Peterson of Bemidji and Jeanette Davis of Warren, Idaho; and his special friend, Rita Lindamoen of Fargo; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Julian was preceded in death by his parents; his dearly missed and loved and wife, Audrey; his granddaughter, Melissa in 2017 and four brothers: Don, Kenneth, William and Raymond. Memorial Mass will be held 11 AM Saturday, April 17, 2021 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. Mass music will be led by Annette Haas. The urnbearers will be Julian’s grandchildren: Tim Strendin, Melissa Swenson (post-humous), Joshua May, Erika Erb, Michael Hunke, Brady Junes, and Brandon Junes. Interment will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Two inlets. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Friday evening, April 16th with the rosary at 6 PM at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com