Leo H. Schmitz, age 87, of Berthold, ND, formerly of Custer, SD, died Thursday, November 9, 2006 at his home.

Leo Herman Schmitz was born March 13, 1919 in Harlem, MT to Herman and Gertrude (Keller) Schmitz. As a young child he moved with his family to Foxholm, ND where he was raised and attended country school. He attended high school in Carrington, ND while working on his aunt's family farm. In 1936 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps where he worked as a cook.

On January 23, 1939 Leo married Evelyn Ackerman. They made their home in Kenmare, ND where he worked at the Chrysler Plymouth Company called Lowe's Super Service. On April 25, 1944 he entered into active duty with the US Army serving during WWII until his honorable discharge on October 12, 1945. He returned to Kenmare where he completed a training course in auto mechanics and served as shop foreman at Lowe's Super Service. In 1951 he purchased the Harry Grass Motel and Garage. He operated the transmission repair garage and motel until he retired in 1979. Leo then spent his winters in Casa Grande, AZ but returned to Custer during the summer months. Evelyn died on February 26, 1999. In 2000 he moved to Berthold, ND.

Leo was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and VFW. He was also a member of the Stanley Senior Citizens, St. John's Catholic Church in Custer and attended Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Stanley, ND. Throughout his life he enjoyed bowling, playing pool, cards, golfing, hunting and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his special friend, Lorraine Liebel of Berthold, ND; sons, Paul (Mary Ann) Schmitz of Custer, SD; Dale (Pat) Schmitz of Arvada, CO; Darld (Joyce) Schmitz of Bismarck, ND; Kenneth Schmitz of Wheat Ridge, CO; Curt (Kristy) Schmitz of Custer, SD; three brothers, Bernard (Virginia) Schmitz of Devils Lake, ND; Bill (Betty) Schmitz of Yankton, SD; David (Mildred) Schmitz of Kenmare, ND; two sisters, Adeline Schweitzer of Rapid City, SD; Carol Feuillerat of Rapid City, SD; sister-in-law, Arliene Schmitz of Grand Forks, ND; thirteen grandchildren and twenty seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; infant daughter, Mary Ann; brother, Alvin and grandson, Anthony.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 18, 2006 at St. John's Catholic Church in Custer, SD with Father Peter Kovarik officiating. Interment will follow at the Custer Cemetery in Custer, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer, SD. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.