Sandy Underwood Schmitz

Sandy Jean Schmitz, 53, of Brooten, died Monday, April 26, 2021, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30, Monday, May 3, 2021 at St. Donatus Catholic Church in Brooten. Visitation will be from 2-7pm Sunday, at the Pavilion in Brooten where parking and entry will come from the north due to construction.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in the St. Donatus church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade. 

Sandra Jean Schmitz was born on November 11, 1967 in Milbank, South Dakota, the ninth child of ten, to Arlin and Marla (Frerichs) Underwood. She grew up in Milbank where she attended Koch Elementary and Milbank High School, graduating in 1986. She continued her education at Alexandria Tech, graduating in 1988. On April 9, 1994, Sandy was united in marriage to Dennis Schmitz. They made their home near Brooten on the Schmitz family farm, where she worked for American Solutions for Business for 24 years and Felling Trailer Inc. for the last 2 years. 

Sandy was a member of St. Donatus Catholic Church where she was an active volunteer.  She will be remembered for her strong faith and love and devotion to her family. 

She passed away Monday morning at 1:11 am with her family by her side singing, “You are my Sunshine.” This generous woman gave us time to say goodbye, to pray, to sing. She also gave us peace, and she was a true blessing. She was a constant to her husband and children. Sandy was always present and knew how to make everyone around her feel heard and special. To care was an understatement; her husband, children and Brooke are her biggest treasures. She protected them with every ounce of her being. Her son and daughter are her pride and joy. Sandy was a love machine, add a quarter…win, win! We all won over and over with flashing lights — her light. Sandy enjoyed her work and always went above and beyond. She enjoyed traveling and adventure. Also, a good party! She was a great dancer. You could find her bowling, shopping, reading, and wine tasting with her dear friends. She loved being a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

If you didn’t know her, you probably wished you had. Sandy was known for her long goodbye. She just had so much to give. She would hold your hand and say, “I better go”, but 10 minutes later she wasn’t done sharing her time with you. Those who knew her say, “She was the very best kind of person. She was so fun! We loved her smile and laugh. She was a positive force of nature.” Sandy, we don’t want to let go of your hand. Your abundance of love we hold in our hearts.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are gray

You’ll never know dear how much I love you

Please don’t take my sunshine away

She is survived by her husband, Dennis, of 27 years, children, Justin Schmitz (Brooke Hemmesch) and Sarah Schmitz; father, Arlin Underwood; siblings, Ardelle (Doug) Dexter, Daniel Underwood, Gary (Jeanette) Underwood, Larry (Annie) Underwood, Steven Underwood, Dennis (Deb) Underwood, Kathy Underwood, Lisa (Brian) Dimberg, Anita (Mike) Wendland; mother-in-law, Dorothy Schmitz and Dennis’ siblings, Philip Schmitz, Mary Jane Schmitz (Sheila Holme), Alice (Larry) Schumann, Gerald (Sue) Schmitz, Lois (Stan) Brown, Brenda Schmitz (Paul Stegeman), her nieces and nephews, godchildren, and many close friends.

Sandy was preceded in death by her mother, Marla Underwood and father-in-law, Leonard Schmitz.  

Sandy’s family would like to thank all the family and friends who have shown support for her. Also, a thank you to the staff at the Sanford Medical Center of Fargo, especially Sandy’s nurses Bailey, Becca, and Rachel.

Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Homes are in charge of the arrangements.