As stated previously Father was a kind and gentle man. His soft spoken words were very comforting. His eulogy for my fathet, whom he had never met, was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed him while we were members at Resurrection. To his family I offer my prayers and thanks for sharing him with us. He will be greatly missed by many.  His funeral service  was beautiful; the music wonderful. May he enjoy his new life with God and look down at us often. 

What a wonderful Priest who epitomized the meaning of Loving Community.  Msgr. Schmitz performed a graveside service for one of my brothers a couple of years ago and one would have thought he had known my brother his entire life, even though he had never met my brother; he did a superb job.  Saddened to learn of the loss of such a kind and gentle soul.  May you RIP Fr. Schmitz, you will always be remembered as 'One of the Good Guys'.

Don was one of the kindest and most honest persons I've ever encountered. It was a pleasure experiencing Rome with him for four years.

+J.M.J.+

May the Soul of Monsignor Schmitz rest in peace. I appreciated his kindness and counsel when I was a seminarian. I still recall, almost 35 years later, some of his exact words, mannerisms, etc. He was--and remains--a very fine priestly example for me. I will be pleased to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for his Soul's happy tepose. May Jesus Christ the Great High Priest, His Ever-Virgin Mother Mary and Good Saint Joseph comfort all who mourn the passing of Monsignor Schmitz from this life.

My sympathy to the family of Father Don and to his brother priests. Father Don was the chaplain for the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mankato, MN and taught at Mount Mary College (on the Mankato campus) both Old and New Testament. He was my teacher and I also had the privilege of teaching Religion with him at Good Counsel Academy in 1973. I was a young and inexperienced teacher and he was always kind, patient, gentle and helpful to me. Our paths crossed often through the years and his warmth and smile always made one feel comfortable. He was a holy, humble and faithful servant of the Lord..and in my book, ranks as one of the saints. May he live forever in the love of his God.

I will truly miss your sweet and meaningful homilies and your so-friendly personality, from your days at Rez to your fill-ins at SJE.  God must have needed some more companionship to have taken you so soon.  RIP.

Although we lost contact, there is a special bond that unites all of our Roman Classmates, and I was so glad to reunite in person with Don at our San Francisco Reunion a few years ago.  At that time he was just as I always knew him:  a gentle, joyful, compassionate friend, who was so willing to share his struggles for good health, and hopeful that he would win the current battle. The struggle is over, Don, may you find peace in your heavenly home. 

Father Don was a humble, gentle and kind man and faithful servant of God and His people  he was always approachable and generous with his time.  I enjoyed working with him on a monthly newsletter to those members of our parish who were confined to their homes.   He had a special way to encourage others with simple words and a sincere smile.  I’m so sorry our Heavenly Father decided to call him home so soon but am comforted by knowing he is right where he wanted to be.  May he rest in peace

Father Schmitz was such a great guy. Growing up he was our parish priest and I always remember how kind and warm he was. He truly modeled the love of Christ.  I met him again a few years ago at Pax Christi and although i had moved out of town he still remembered me and my family. What a memory! And his kindness was still so prevalent. We will miss him but we know he’s in a better place now! 

My thoughts and prayers to the family.  Father Schmitz was an amazing man with a heart of gold.......he truly modeled Jesus in everything he did and every word he said.  He was a constant and unwavering source of support to us as my dad, Jack Stachowitz, was in the final phases of his life. Father went above and beyond for our family and none of us will every forget him. Rest well Father Schmitz, until we meet again.