Remembering Leo Schmitz: A Life of Passion and Community

,Springfield, Minnesota, August 28, 2025

News Summary

Leo Anthony Schmitz, an 82-year-old farmer, hunter, and golf enthusiast from Springfield, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family. Known for his dedication to both farming and golf, he was a beloved community member who celebrated life through outdoor adventures and strong family ties. His legacy is honored through a final gathering at the Springfield Golf Course, symbolizing his passion for the game and cherished relationships. Leo is remembered for his warmth, zest for life, and the stories shared both on the fairway and around the family table.

Springfield, Minnesota —

Leo Anthony Schmitz, 82, remembered as a farmer, hunter, and golf enthusiast, passed away on August 22, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

In a life that read like a Midwest saga, Leo Schmitz combined the steady grit of a dairy farmer with the kind of competitive spark that belongs on the back nine. Born January 12, 1943, and raised on the family farm west of Springfield, he never strayed far from the land or from the clubhouse camaraderie that would define his later years. His passing came with the full consolations of the Catholic Church and a faith he embraced deeply in his final decades.

From the Farm to the Fairway

Farming was more than a job for Leo; it was a way of life. He spent most of his working years as a dairy farmer, living the seasonal rhythm of chores, harvests, and community. But where many stuck to the fields, Leo added a second act. In his early 60s he took to the highway, driving long-haul truck routes delivering pontoon boats across the U.S. and Canada — a late-career adventure that suited his restless energy.

Golf was where Leo let loose his competitive streak and his storytelling. A founding member of the Sanborn Farmer’s Golf and Health Club, he scored an impressive four hole-in-ones — achievements that gave him bragging rights without ever dulling his appreciation for the next perfect shot. His relationship with the course was part clubhouse legend, part family ritual; the golf course was also the setting for the luncheon and reception after his interment, a fitting final celebration for a man who loved the game.

A Life Full of Passions

Hunting, fishing, cards, and travel rounded out Leo’s playbook. He was known among friends as Lucky Leo for his dice, poker tables, and frequent trips to Las Vegas. He was an avid pheasant and deer hunter who treasured the friendships built on early-morning stands and long afternoons in the blind. Winter ice-spearing at Lake Winnibigoshish with his sons became a family tradition, and he even chased elk in Colorado with buddies when the season called for a bigger challenge.

Travel was another passion for Leo and his wife, Mary, who owned Sterling Travel for a time. The couple saw the world together, collecting stamps in passports and stories for the clubhouse and kitchen table. When his wife and daughter encouraged him to explore the older forms of worship, Leo embraced the Latin Mass about 15 years ago — a move that brought him spiritual comfort and community.

Family, Service, and Community

Leo married Mary Turbes on September 10, 1966, and they shared 58 years together. He raised four children — Anthony, Daniel, Peter, and Martha — and treasured time with his 19 grandchildren, teaching many of them to fish, hunt, and enjoy nature. He served in the National Guard Reserve and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, reflecting a lifetime commitment to service and faith. As a longtime member of the John Birch Society, he also passed down a love of independent thinking and civic engagement to his family.

Final Arrangements

Visitation will be held at Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. There will be a Rosary during the first visitation and a Latin Requiem High Mass at the Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth, followed by interment at St. Raphael Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends will gather afterward at the Springfield Golf Course for a luncheon and reception — a fitting send-off that merges Leo’s love of family and fairways.

Leo is survived by his children and grandchildren, brother Gilbert, and sister Angie. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents, and several siblings and relatives. The family has requested prayers for eternal rest and perpetual light, honoring the traditions that shaped his life.

Why Golf Fans Felt at Home with Leo

To golf enthusiasts, Leo’s story reads like a familiar profile: a player who loves the sport’s social rituals as much as the scorecard. Founding a club, hitting multiple hole-in-ones, and treating post-round meals as sacred traditions are all part of a culture many golfers will recognize. The Springfield Golf Course luncheon after the interment mirrors the clubhouse gatherings he loved — spots where tall tales are told, clubs are cleaned, and memories are made.

Final Note from the Fairway

In the end, Leo Schmitz’s life was a blend of rural work ethic, outdoor sport, faith, and family lore. For golfers and non-golfers alike, his story is a reminder that the best rounds are played with friends, and the best stories get better every time they’re told.

Quick Reference: Service Details & Locations

Note: This article aims to provide clear, practical details for family, friends, and golf community members planning to attend or honor Leo’s memory.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Local Dad and Farmer Leo Anthony Schmitz Passes Away

Additional Resources

• New Ulm Journal: Leo Anthony Schmitz
• Legacy: Mary Schmitz Obituary
• WREX: Illinois State Police Memorial Park
• KFVS: New ISP Director Sworn In
• Riverbender: Illinois State Police Honors
• Wikipedia: Obituary
• Google Search: Leo Anthony Schmitz
• Google Scholar: Leo Anthony Schmitz
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
• Google News: Illinois State Police

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