Obituary

Eugene Ferdinand Schmidtz, known as “Gene,” passed away at the age of 90 on May 14, 2025, at his home in Bellingham, WA, surrounded by his family.

Gene was born on July 1, 1934, in Pierz, Minnesota, to Ferdinand and Josephine Schmidtz, the second oldest of 11 children. Growing up on a dairy farm, he developed a strong work ethic by milking cows twice a day, working fields with teams of horses, and trapping fur.

Master Chief Schmidtz served with distinction in the Navy for 27 1/2 years. His service included assignments in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Pacific Theater on several aircraft carriers, and three shore commands. He was awarded numerous medals and service ribbons, including the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendations, six Good Conduct Awards, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Gene met the love of his life, Mary Ann Langer of Staples, Minnesota, at a dance in his hometown. They married on May 2, 1956 and were blessed with 57 years of marriage before Mary Ann passed away in 2013.

In 1980 Gene made Bellingham, WA his home when he accepted a position at the Ferndale Oil Refinery until he fully retired. Gene was also active in the Fleet Reserve Association and was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Gene was a man of faith, morals, and loyalty. He created a safehaven for his family, with honesty, accountability, and integrity as core values in his life. He had many talents, could fix anything, and was a true outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping trips with family and close friends. Gene was also an avid gardener, known for his amazing vegetable gardens, and he loved raising livestock. His passion for nature was matched by his generosity in sharing his knowledge and resources with others. Gene also had a love for dogs and was known to spoil them with treats.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ann Schmidtz. He is survived by his five cherished children: Mary Jo (Rich) Cervantes of Camarillo, CA; Theresa (Michael) Dean of Lynden, WA; Karen (Chris) Donlin of Pickstown, SD; David (Sharon) Schmidtz of Ferndale, WA; and Sandra (Bryan) Velkinburg of McKinney, TX. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and their spouses, 13 great-grandchildren, with another on the way, and nine beloved siblings.

God bless you, Dad, Pops, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle Gene. Your work is done. Enjoy the presence of the Good Lord and being reunited with Mom. Thank you for your love, your life, and everything you taught us. Auf Wiedersehen – until we meet again!