Gregory LaVern Schmitz, 66, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota on May 25, 2025.

Greg was born on November 16, 1958, in Lancaster, Wisconsin, to LaVern and Lillian (Sudmeier) Schmitz. He received his early education at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Maquoketa, Iowa.

On March 24, 1979, Greg married Roxanne Williamson at the Catholic Church in Lost Nation. Together they raised three children: Marsha, Mitch, and Kristin.

Greg’s strong work ethic was evident from a young age. He began working for Sacred Heart Catholic Church, mowing the cemetery grounds, and also working at the Derby. Over the years, he took on many roles, most notably his 20-year tenure as Ron Yeager’s trusted farmhand, driving semi for Farmer’s Supply Center in Delmar, and later, owning and operating Schmitz Trucking. Greg was a true jack-of-all-trades—there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. Those who knew him will remember his unwavering work ethic, his quick wit, and his knack for pulling off a good prank. He was, in the best way, “always full of it!”

Greg is survived by his girlfriend, Rae Simonin of Baldwin; his children: Stacey (Jacob) Reuter of Maquoketa, Marsha (Cory) Simonson of Maquoketa, Mitch (Anna) Schmitz of Lost Nation, and Kristin (Ara) Bowman of Maquoketa; and his grandchildren: Breanna, Braden, Lexy, Jace, Allie, Dalton, Charli, and Hugh. He is also survived by his siblings: Douglas (Marion) Schmitz, Marlene (Thomas) Bendixen, Dianne Fuller, William (Denise) Schmitz, and Denise (Jeff) Swanson; brother-in-law, Donald Buck; sister-in-law, Theresa Franck; many nieces and nephews; and an honorary son, Josh Kaczinski.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVern and Lillian Schmitz; his siblings, Sharon Buck and Ervin Schmitz; his niece, Wendy Buck; and his beloved dog, Bella.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who cared for Greg over the years, especially Dr. John Whalen and his dedicated team at Tri-State Dialysis in Dubuque, Iowa.

A special thank you goes to Greg’s kidney donor, Scott Perkins. Scott’s extraordinary gift gave Greg an additional 11 years—a gift of time that allowed him to create countless more memories with loved ones and welcome a few more grandchildren into the world.

In his final act of generosity, Greg gave the gift of life through organ donation. His selfless decision continues to make a profound impact on the lives of others, a legacy that reflects the giving spirit he carried throughout his life.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12 P.M., Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. until service time.  Cremation will follow the services.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Gregory L. “Greg” Schmitz memorial fund has been established.

Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.