Lorraine "Rene" Schmitz

Lorraine “Rene” Schmitz, age 93, of Faribault, MN, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at Faribault Senior Living.

Lorraine Mary, the daughter of Marion and Frances (Lamberty) Hatfield, was born on January 9, 1933, in Faribault, MN. Rene graduated from Bethlehem Academy High School with the class of 1950, then completed her nurse’s training. She worked as a nurse for over 60 years. She definitely was the hands and feet of Jesus as she cared for her patients with so much love and compassion. Rene worked at many nursing homes throughout her years of nursing and worked at the VA Hospital in her final nursing years. After retirement, she went back to work part time at Faribault Manor, where her mother resided. She also volunteered at Milestone Senior Living well into her 80s. To her it was her job to make sure these people were cared for with love and dignity.

On May 6, 1972, she married the love of her life, Edward Schmitz. She and Ed loved to travel by car to take in the scenery on the road, seeing nature, and looking for cows. Their travels often included destinations that incorporated their faith. Ed preceded her in death on April 12, 2012.

Rene had a love for taking pictures, carrying her camera with her and taking countless photos of her daily adventures. She loved poetry and began writing poems at an early age, sharing her poems with many in her family. Rene loved all animals, especially kitties, and of course cows. She enjoyed her stops at McDonald’s, claiming their coffee was the best she could get anywhere.

Her faith was so important to her, and she tried to instill that love in all her family. Rene had a tremendous love for her family, not having children of her own, she nurtured all of her many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her brothers, Bill Hatfield, and Jerry Hatfield; sister-in-law, Janet Hatfield; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; parents, Marion and Frances; sisters, Margie Yerhot (Mike), Frances Hoisington (Bob), and Mary Hanson (special friend, Albert); brothers, Donald Hatfield (Gladys), Bob Hatfield (Janice), and John Hatfield; and sister-in-law, Judy Hatfield.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault, and on Saturday for one hour prior to the services at the church. The rosary service will be on Friday at 3:30 p.m.

A special thank you for the loving care she received at Faribault Senior Living these past four years, she enjoyed her time there and the friendships she made. Though it was a short time, thank you to Moments Hospice for the care provided.

Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Academy in memory of Rene.

For online tributes and further information, please visit ParkerKohlFH.com