Margaret (Gilles) Schmitz

Margaret Schmitz, 81, of Goodhue, died Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at her home on her farm, surrounded by her family.

She was born July 13, 1942 in Plum City to Leonard and Elvira (Johnson) Gilles. She attended St. Francis in Ellsworth before moving to Red Wing where she attended St. Joseph parochial school and Red Wing Central High School. (Years later, after most of her children were grown, she attended night classes and obtained her GED.) On July 18, 1959 she was united in marriage to Jerome Schmitz at the Church of St. Joseph. Together they raised 6 children. For many years they made their home in Vasa where Margaret was a state certified child care provider. She knew all the children in Vasa and Margaret’s home was second home to many who grew up there. She never met a child she didn’t like and each Halloween she made special bags of candy for each child. She loved working with children for more than 30 years before she retired and then went on to work for DBI in Red Wing for another 13 years. In 1996, she and Jerome moved to a farm in Goodhue.

Margaret was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved raising her children and was very proud of her family. She would do anything for her children. She would call every single one of her children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren on their birthday so she could be sure to sing happy birthday to them.

Margaret was always one to stay busy. She had many hobbies and talents, including bird watching, crocheting and other arts and crafts, tending her flower beds, playing the piano and the accordion, drawing, baking, and even yodeling. She was dependable and had strong morals but also had a good sense of humor. She held a quiet but strong faith in the Lord and her faith held an important place in her life.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Jerome; children, Tim (Amanda) Schmitz, Teresa (Robert) Huneke, Daniel (Kay) Schmitz, Dale (Heidi) Schmitz, Dean (Carrie) Schmitz and Darwin Schmitz; 16 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Steven, Jonathan, Brandon, Nathan, Heather, Erica, Chad, Cory, Micheal, Bradley Brittany, Courtney, Tony, Miranda, and Connor; 26 great-grandchildren, Breanna, Narianna, Serenity, William, Charolette, Adeline, Sloane, Quinton, Oliver, Harrison, Hailee, Jackson, Kooper, Kolten, Chase, Bradley Jr., Elliot, Briar, Lilly, Allie, Caleb, Olivia, Corabell, Avan, Majestic, and Saylor; one brother, Kenny Gilles; as well as many other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by stillborn child, Baby Angel; 4 siblings, Richard, Cal, Barb, and Ed; and her parents.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home Bodelson-Mahn Chapel with Father Thomas McCabe officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service at the farm. All are welcome. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com