Dale Gerald Schmitt, 61, of Dubuque passed away Sunday, November 6th, 2022, at home.

Visitation will be held 3:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, November 17th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Dale “Skinny” Schmitt was born on March 14th, 1961, at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, IA. He was the son of Melvin P. “Boots” Schmitt and Virginia E. “Trixie” Ritt Schmitt. Skinny graduated from Hempstead High School with the class of 1979. He was a hard worker and made many sacrifices to provide for his family. Skinny worked for Brian Hefel Construction, moved on to work as a laborer and mechanic for the railroad for 20+ years, and lastly as a mechanic for Flynn Co.

Skinny loved nature and being outdoors. He liked to hunt and raised pheasants and quail with his boys. He loved to work in his yard and to plant trees; he would get rather irritated with his boys if they “hurt” his trees. He liked working with wood and enjoyed may DIY projects. Some of these projects included fixing his brother David’s mishaps.

Skinny was a fan of anything with two wheels that went fast. He also loved his Diet Pepsi and his Copenhagen. He loved spending time with his granddaughters, riding his Harley, playing cards at the Barn with his buddies, and bullshitting with his friends.

Skinny was a fan of having a good time. He worked hard and lived hard. To us, he was a loveable pain in everyone’s ass and he will be missed by many.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents Boots and Trixie Schmitt and his brother-in-law John “Tubby” Freiburger. Surviving are his children Chase (Rose) Schmitt of North Liberty, Cody (Nicole) Schmitt of Durango, and Cathryn (Nate Schetgen) Schmitt of Dubuque; his two granddaughters Sophie Schmitt and Addi Marburger; and his siblings Janice “Mabel” Freiburger of Peosta, Dennie (Deb) Schmitt of Sherrill, David “Chips” Schmitt of Sherrill, and Joyce (Frank) Freiburger of Dubuque. He was also loved by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Dubuque Police Department, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Home who responded and assisted the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dale “Skinny” Schmitt Memorial Fund.