Beverly Hiedi Schmitz

Beverly Hiedi Schmitz passed away on August 24th 2019 at the age of 63, after a two month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all who crossed her path. She was a consummate caretaker, always opening her heart, home and kitchen to all that needed her. Beverly was born on May 29th, 1956 in Grand Rapids, MN to Floyd and Priska Goodwater.  She was the third of four sisters along with her beloved Bonnie (Campbell), Barbara (Roksandich) and Becky (Sumstad). She came in to, and grew up in, a large blended family after her mother Priska’s death in a car accident in 1958.  She was surrounded by numerous half and step-siblings while growing up and loved nothing more then to sit and visit with her siblings in her adulthood.  She grew up in Park Rapids, MN and graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1974. It was in Park Rapids that she met the love of her life and husband of 43 years, Dale Schmitz.  After their marriage on May 6th, 1976, they headed out on an adventure with their oldest daughter Angela to West Yellowstone, MT.  They lived and worked in West Yellowstone and moved back to Park Rapids prior to the birth of their second child, Melissa in 1977.  By 1978 they were living in Elbow Lake, MN when they had their third child, Brant. In 1981 they moved to Detroit Lakes, MN where they raised their family and continued to live until Beverly’s passing. Beverly worked at Essentia Health (formerly St. Mary’s Hospital) for 38 years, starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the nursing home, before moving to the Hospital and the Central Supply Department for 24 years.  6 years ago she moved back to a CNA roll at the nursing home, where she had worked until her diagnosis forced her to retire in June.  Beverly loved working with the residents and her coworkers at the nursing home and found pride in caring for others.  She was able to spend her time in Hospice at Essentia Nursing Home being cared for and surrounded by family, friends and former coworkers who treated her like the VIP she was. Beverly’s biggest love (after her husband, Dale) was camping in her RV while hiking and exploring nature. Beverly and Dale were able to visit and stay at all 67 MN State Parks, though their favorite place to park their 5th Wheel was Buffalo River State Park in Glyndon, MN. For the past 14 years, most free weekends were spent in their RV, using their hiking sticks during the day and enjoying a cold beer by the campfire at night. After Beverly was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on June 26th, 2019, she vowed to take her battle day by day.  Up until the very end, she was more concerned about everyone else around her and how they were handling and coping during this difficult time. Beverly was proceeded in death by her granddaughter Priska Greer in January 2019. She is survived by her husband Dale Schmitz, daughter’s Angela Goodwater Schmitz, Melissa (Travis) Bellefeuille, both of Detroit Lakes and son Brant (Michelle) Schmitz of Chaska along with her grandchildren Danica Greer, Trey Greer, Fabyon Greer, Makaila Greer, Onika Greer, Harper Bellefeuille, Lakyn Bellefeuille, Brayden Schmitz, Ayla Schmitz and Finnley Schmitz.  She is also survived by many siblings, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, all who held a very special place in her heart. A Celebration of Life for Beverly Schmitz will be held on Saturday, August 31st with service’s starting at 2pm at 23737 North Fox Lake Lane, Detroit Lakes, MN at her daughter Melissa’s home.  We welcome all who knew and loved her to come remember and celebrate her.