Lester Joseph Schmitz

Lester Joseph Schmitz, 78, of Mekinock, ND, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Fargo V A Hospital.

Lester was born on September 29, 1947, in Crookston, MN to Joseph and Marlys (Boutain) Schmitz and was the oldest of 9 children. He spent most of his early years in the Crookston and Red Lake Falls, MN area, before settling in Mekinock, ND. Lester was a member of the United States Army in which he served for over 2 years. He toured in Vietnam before discharging with the rank of Specialist 4th Class. Upon his return from the military, Lester would begin his over 45-year career as a heavy equipment operator spending time at Florian & Son’s Excavating and Robison Excavating, as well as many other companies throughout his career.

During his spare time Lester enjoyed being outside. He could be found fishing, hunting, camping and driving his motorcycle. He loved trips to Dairy Queen for a cheeseburger with a side of fries for his favorite dog and co-pilot, Shelby. Lester could also be found at Superpumper each morning around 6am having coffee and sharing conversation with some of his closest friends.

Lester is survived by his siblings, Glenn, Mekinock, Dianne Charles, Moorhead, MN, Donna Wathne, Grand Forks, Kathy (Mike) McElroy, Fargo, Barb (Chuck) Hiles, Mekinock, Joe (Theresa), Arvilla, Darrel (Julie), Mekinock, Jeff (Roxanne) Mekinock, several nieces and nephew as well as many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in passing by his daughter, Tammy and his parents, Joseph and Marlys and sister-in-law Judy.

Services to remember and celebrate Lester's life will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:00am at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND. Visitation with the family will be held an hour prior to services, with a lunch to follow. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider donating in his memory to the Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Forks, ND. Donations may be made to the Grand Forks Parks & Recreation Foundation. Information for making a donation may be found below.

Donate by check

Make checks payable to: Grand Forks Parks and Recreation Foundation

Mail checks to: P.O. Box 12429, Grand Forks, ND 58208

Donate Online

https://gfparksfoundation.org/how-to-help/donate/online-donation/