AUDREY JEAN SCHMITZ
January 18, 1936 – June 8, 2012

Audrey Jean Schmitz, age 76, a long time Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully entered eternity on Friday, June 8th, 2012 with her loved ones at her side at the Sanford Health Center in Fargo, ND.
Audrey was born on January 18, 1936 on the family farm south of Park Rapids to Roland and Ruth (Ostreng) Rooney. As a girl she attended country school near her home and then went on to attend high school in Park Rapids where she also worked at the Red Owl Grocery Store after school. Audrey graduated from the Park Rapids High School in 1954. As a young woman, Audrey gained employment with the Navillus Land Company in Park Rapids where she did secretarial work. On January 7, 1956, Audrey was united in marriage to a young sailor, Julian Franklin Schmitz. This union was blessed with three daughters: Susan, Rebecca and Pamela. Shortly after Julian received his honorable discharge, the family moved from California to Minneapolis, MN where in addition to caring for her family, Audrey also worked as a secretary for the Minneapolis Moline Company and the Ryerson Steel Company. In 1969, the Schmitz family moved to Park Rapids where Audrey purchased the A&W Restaurant which she operated for a number of years. She later purchased a women’s clothing store in Park Rapids called “The Villa” which she operated until 1976. After she sold the store, Audrey began a 16 year career with the Bell Hill Recovery Center in Wadena where she served as the director for 7 years. She semi-retired in 1992, but continued to work part-time as the book keeper for Park Rapids Floral. Audrey enjoyed doing handcrafts in her spare time and made many afghans, quilts, American Doll Clothes and also sewed clothes for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a long time member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Park Rapids. Audrey enjoyed raising beautiful flowers to adorn her yard and home. Above all, Audrey devoted her life to her husband, children and grandchildren who she loved with all her heart.
Audrey will be lovingly remembered by her husband for these past 56 years, Julian of Park Rapids; her three daughters: Susan (Kenneth) Knoll of Burnsville, Rebecca Schmitz of Fargo, ND and Pam (Greg) Junes of Menahga; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; her mother, Ruth Rooney of Park Rapids; her nine siblings: Marilyn (Robert) Wattenhofer of Watkins, Sharon (Leon) Smiens of Chaska, Carol (Dale) Anderson of Menahga, Donald (Judy) Rooney of Ponsford, Joyce (Paul) Hoefs of Mankato, Jane Swanson of Fort Myers, FL, David Rooney of Springfield, IL, Barbara Rooney of Seattle, WA and Cindy (Kim) Olson of Park Rapids; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Memorial services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. The organist will be Joy Horejsi. The music will be led by the Alleluia Choir. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the church. Interment will be made in the St. Peters Catholic Cemetery. Urn bearers will be her grandchildren: Timothy Strendin, Joshua May, Brandon Junes, Brady Junes, Michael Hunke, Melissa Swenson and Erika Handegaard. Honorary urn bearers will be her great grandchildren: Riley Strendin, Lindsey Strendin, Jaden May, Landon May, Sage Handegaard, Abbey Handegaard, Haley Swenson and Jacob Swenson.