Gail Clarence Schmitz

Gail Clarence Schmitz, son of Hugo and Augusta (Block) Schmitz, was born at the Schmitz home June 3, 1944 in Earling, Iowa. His sister, Arlene, was sent to the neighbor's home for "vacation," and when she came home, she had a new baby brother. Gail was baptized on June 4,1944 and confirmed on May 4,1956 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Earling, where he remained a lifelong member. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School, graduating with the class of 1963. While growing up, Gail helped his parents with the work on the farm, and his constant companion was his dog, Lucky.
Gail worked many years as an assistant custodian cleaning St. Joseph's Church and school in Earling. He would unlock and lock the church up daily and ring the church bells. Gail took these responsibilities very seriously. After retiring from janitorial work, Gail lived with his sister, Mary Ann and her husband Virgil. He loved watching Gunsmoke and the Andy Griffith Show. He was a loyal Harlan Cyclone Fan. Gail also had a love for food. At the nursing home, he would wait for the doors of the dining room to open so he could enjoy his next meal.
Gail died on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of seventy-eight years, four months, and three days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Donnie Schmitz, Jerry Schmitz, and Mary Ann Coenen.
He is survived by his sister Arlene and her husband Wayne Justice of Manning, Iowa; sister-in-law Sandy Schmitz of Des Moines, Iowa; brother-in-law Virgil Coenen of Harlan, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.