Michael Joseph Schmitz Born January 6, 1951 Died May 18, 2023 Michael Joseph Schmitz, 72, of Arlington, Texas, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 18, 2023, surrounded by family. Michael was born January 6, 1951, to Vincent Schmitz and Helen (Miller) Schmitz in Crookston, Minnesota, and grew up in Red Lake Falls, MN. He was the oldest son of nine children. He graduated from Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls and attended Northland Community College in Thief River Falls, MN. On December 29, 1972, Michael was united in marriage to Karen Charlson of Thief River Falls, MN. Together they moved with their two children Rachael and Colin to Arlington, TX, where they owned and operated Country Kitchen restaurant for 29 years. After retirement, Mike traveled the world with Karen until her passing in 2014 and spent time with family and friends. He especially loved his trips to Alaska to visit his son, his hunting trips with family in Kansas, and his days in South Padre Island, TX, and throughout Minnesota before he had to stay home due to his health challenges. Mike was known for his sense of humor, his ability to win most card games, and his incredible homemade beef jerky and chocolate chip cookie recipes. He was a talented multi-sport athlete who grew up playing and coaching hockey and loved following the Dallas Stars. He was an avid supporter of his children and grandchildren and coached several of Rachael and Colin’s sports teams. Mike enjoyed long road trips and listening to music, and he passed on his love of golfing, camping, hiking, fishing, and raising hunting dogs to his family. In the past few years, Rachael and family moved in with Mike as he spent most of his days reading and watching westerns, The Price Is Right, and his favorite evening TV programs. He also continued to attend church online each Sunday morning and appreciated the friendships with his long-time neighbors. He would chat with anyone and was always the life of the party, so per his request, his family looks forward to celebrating his life with two parties: one in Minnesota in June and another in Texas in August (details are pending). Mike was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Karen, his father, Vincent, and his brother, Tim. Survivors: his daughter Rachael and husband, John Peterson of Arlington; son Colin Schmitz of Palmer, Alaska; grandchildren Jarod and Courtney Peterson; mother Helen Schmitz of Red Lake Falls, MN; sisters Marlene, Charlotte, Bonnie, Polly, Connie and Val; brother Larry; and many other relatives. Mike will be missed by his family and friends. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN, or to the Red Lake Falls Blue Line (Hockey) Club.