Alfred Walter Schnitzer

Alfred Walter Schnitzer, 87, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota died Sunday, May 3, 2015 under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley surrounded by his loving family at the house in which he was born. Alfred was born on October 18, 1927, the son of Charles and Annie (Stanforth) Schnitzer at home in Erie Township, rural Detroit Lakes. He worked the family farm from the age of 7, completing his education through the 8th grade at a country school in Erie Township. Alfred was united in marriage to Marlene Nelson on August 26, 1959 at Zion Lutheran Church. They made their home on the family farm. In 1967 Alfred went to work as a USDA meat inspector until he retired after twenty-five years. Alfred was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church. He served as president for the Aid Association for Lutherans and the St. Mary's Nursing Council. In his retirement he continued to operate the farm also enjoying fishing, gardening and taking care of his rental properties. He took great pride in his yard and garden and loved time spent with his family and friends. Alfred is survived by his wife, Marlene Schnitzer of Detroit Lakes, MN; children: Randall Schnitzer of Panama City, FL; Lois (Jim) Wood of Detroit Lakes, MN; Denise Schnitzer of Fargo, ND; Ranae (David) Jensen of Erie, CO; Amy Kuhn of Portland, OR; Susan (James) Goffe of Fargo, ND; nine grandchildren: Tyler Chase, Logan Chase, Kaleb Chase, Amanda (Andy) MacDonell, Justin (Ann) Wood, Jay Schnitzer, Brittany (Nick) Wood, Cassidy Jensen, Kenzie Goffe; three great-grandchildren, Cydney, Ella and Jamison Wood; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Carl Schnitzer and sisters: Elsie Thompson and Dorothy Erickson.