Herman Aloysius Schmitz, 96, passed away February 6, 2026, in Las Cruces New Mexico. Smit, also called Sonny, was born in 1929, at home in Council Bluffs Iowa. He was the son of Herman A. Schmitz and Ruth C. Schmitz, née Britt. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Kathryn M. Schmitz, née Rief and their only daughter Marcy Lynn who passed as an infant, his parents, two sisters and a brother. He is survived by three sons Michael (Sue), Mark (Sandy) and Marten (Margarita); in addition, five grandchildren: Molly Aguilar (Scott), Anna, Sebastian (Elaine), Marcy, and Sara; six great – grandchildren, and former daughter-in-law Dee Schmitz

A lifelong Roman Catholic, dad was a member of St Peter's in Council Bluffs, Holy Family in Orange California, St Patrick's in Murphys California, and finally St Genevieve's in Las Cruces New Mexico. He and Kate never missed Sunday Mass.

Dad spent his first 30 years in Council Bluffs, and the Great Depression had a tremendous impact on his life. He never forgot how hard life was in the 1930s. Perhaps this is what drove him to be such a hard-working successful man. It would also explain his immense enjoyment of food!

He spent several years as a lineman with a power company in the late 1940s and helped bring electricity to remote areas of Western Nebraska. He then worked more than 6 years as a railroad man with Burlington Northern in Council Bluffs. When work began to run out, as the interstates were built, he quit the railroad and moved his entire family to Orange County California in 1960. This is where he was to live more than 30 years and it was there that dad began his career as a fireman with the Santa Ana Fire Department rising to the rank of Captain. He touched and saved many lives as a fireman. If you were in trouble this is the man you wanted coming to the rescue. He served honorably and after retirement he and Kate relocated to his beloved 44 wooded acres in Central California's Sierra Nevada mountains near Murphys. He lived there for another 30 years, chopping his own firewood and living independently until at age 91 deteriorating health caused him to move in with family in New Mexico.

Dad was always proud of achieving the first college degree in the family which was an Associate of Arts in Fire Science. He deeply enjoyed bowling and golfing. A vigorous man, he also enjoyed riding motorcycles out in the desert, camping and fishing. He did quite a bit of traveling; spending vacations in Europe, Central America and crisscrossing the United States and Canada via train and automobile. After moving to Southern California, he always rooted for the Rams and the California Angels, attending many Angels games. Dad also liked animals. He always allowed his boys to have a dog and got great enjoyment from the family dogs and the various other animals his sons brought home.

Herman was a wonderful father and husband. He lived a good long life and got much satisfaction in living life to its fullest. He will be missed dearly by those closest to him. More than just a good man, he was a great man who pursued the American dream and earned it. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.