Daniel Aloysius Schmitz, 59, died peacefully at home in Marshfield on Dec. 4, after a long, valiant battle with Parkinson's and Leukemia. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am Friday, December 12, 2014 at St. John's Catholic Church in Marshfield with Fr. Sam Martin and Fr. Eric Berns officiating. The Committal Service will be 1:00 Saturday at St. Killian's Cemetery in Bear Valley, Richland County. There will be a reception after each service. Visitations will be from 5-8:00pm Thursday at the Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield and again an hour prior to both services. A rosary service will be at 5:00 pm and a prayer service will be held from 7:30 to 8:00 pm both on Thursday at the funeral home. Dan was born April 12, 1955 near Bear Valley WI, the 2nd of 5 boys. He attended Ithaca HS, hauling milk cans and making cheese when not in class. Dan's first of many college degrees was in welding from SW Tech Fennimore. He enjoyed welding for John Deere in Dubuque IA and Moline IL. A strong athlete, Dan joined the Army Reserves at age 31 where he trained as a medic and physical therapy assistant. During Desert Storm, he was stationed at Ft. Sam Houston in TX. He also worked as a PTA and Master Fitness Trainer for two Army hospitals, the 5501st at Fort Snelling in MN and the 44th in WI. Dan married Mary Crane on July 7, 1990 at St. Paul's in Ham Lake MN. They proudly welcomed Jennifer Marie in 1996 and Joshua Daniel in 1998. They moved to Marshfield in 1993 where Dan was a PTA at Bethel Center (Arpin) and Colonial Center (Colby) nursing facilities, retiring in 2010. Among Dan's joys were his family, the outdoors, biking, kayaking, gardening, antique tractors and the Packers. A generous man of deep faith, Dan's life with Christ was nourished by participation in prayer groups, St. John's parish, and the JPII adoration chapel. Dan leaves behind his wife Mary; children Jenny and Josh; his parents Joseph and Catherine Schmitz; four brothers and sisters-in-law--John (Jean), David (Kathleen), Mike (Cynthia), and Larry (Roseanne); his Godmother Rita Marklein; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and projects. Special thanks to the healthcare staff and friends who provided extensive & precious support for Dan including those from Eastgate and St. John's churches. Memorials can be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or another charity. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com