Norbert John Schmitz was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 15, 2024. Norb was born to John J. and Anne G. (Wavra) Schmitz on November 2, 1935, at the home of his Grandfather Wavra, located at the foot of Mt. Angel Abbey Hill. He was the eldest of nine children.

The Schmitz family lived at Crooked Finger, where Norb started elementary school. They moved to Mt. Angel, where he finished grades 3-8 at St. Mary's Catholic School. His family of 11 lived on a farm north of Mt. Angel, and Norb was a willing helper to his father with farm chores and the family firewood business.

Norb attended Mt. Angel Prep School at Mt. Angel Abbey, where he excelled in academics, sports, and leadership. He was Student Body President his senior year. Norb graduated in 1953 and received the "Athlete of the Year" award at commencement.

He joined the Oregon Army National Guard and served for seven years while continuing to help his father cut timber and firewood. On October 4, 1958, Norb married Katherine Jean Nonneman. They built a home north of Mt. Angel near his parents, where they raised their three children, Greg, John, and Sara. They lived in their home for their 66 years of marriage.

Norb and Kathy were also business partners; in 1960, they founded Schmitz Logging. With Norbert in the woods and Kathy managing the business, they worked in concert to build their successful contract logging company. Known as a leader in the timber industry, Norb saw many changes and innovations in the field. He received accolades and awards for outstanding stewardship of timber lands, excellent forest practices, and safe logging methods. He was an early member of Associated Oregon Loggers and served as a chapter chairman for several terms. He was also on the board of directors for the Oregon Logging Conference.

A devout Catholic, Norb was a lifelong member of St. Mary Parish. He served on the board of trustees for the Mt. Angel Abbey Foundation and always felt a special communion with their vocation. Norb was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

A natural athlete, Norb continued his love of sports and played on a local men's baseball team for many years. He loved to dance and would swing any willing partner around the dancefloor. He avidly enjoyed his children's and grandchildren's games and performances.

Norb was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Anne, his brother Gene, his sister-in-law, Mary Nonneman, and his son-in-law, Steve Ledoux. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Katherine; his son, Greg, and his wife, Mary; his son, John, and his wife, Lori; and his favorite daughter, Sara.

He was so happy and proud to become a grandfather to Elizabeth, Alexander, and Daniel Ledoux; John and Andrew Schmitz; and Joseph, Thomas, and Helen Schmitz, who loved Grandpa Norbert dearly.

He is also survived by his siblings Laura Fessler, Patricia O'Leary, Arlene Harris Smit, Jack Schmitz, Joanne Sowa, Doug Schmitz, and Virginia Schmitz.

Norb was a charitable, fair, honest, and true gentleman. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at St. Mary Church in Mt. Angel, Oregon. There will be a rosary at 10:30 a.m.; the funeral begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Angel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Mt. Angel Abbey at www.mountangelabbey.org or St. Mary Parish in Mt. Angel, Oregon.