Memorial services for Eileen P. Schmitz of Albert Lea will be at 6 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. The Rev. Richard Spande will officiate.  Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Friends may visit with family from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home on Friday.

Eileen died peacefully Sunday, July 6, 2014, at her home. She was 79.

She was born May 24, 1935, in Harrold, S.D., the daughter of William and Evelyn (Auch) Keller.

She graduated from high school in Harrold.

On March 4, 1956, she married Robert M. Schmitz in Harrold. After they were married,  Eileen and Robert lived in Rapid City, S.D. In 1965, they moved to Hartland, and in 1967 they made Albert Lea their home.

In the early years, Eileen kept busy raising their six children, Steve, Michael, Danny, Cindy, Carrie and Billy. Michael and Danny both lost their lives in tragic motorcycle accidents, Michael in 1980 and Danny in 1981.

Later in 1981, Eileen opened Puff and Stuff on Broadway, which she so enjoyed operating until 2001.

She was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary, where she had served as past president.

Eileen was very proud of her perfectly kept yard and enjoyed reading.

Through the years, Eileen was “mother” to many. She worked through her difficult times by mentoring and lifting the spirits of all those around her.

Eileen will be greatly missed by her family which includes children Steve (Margie) Schmitz of Cedar Springs, Mich., Cindy Schmitz of St. Louis, Carrie (Mike) Rahn of Albert Lea and Billy Schmitz of Portland, Ore.; grandchildren Melissa Fisher of Woodbridge, Va., and her sons A.J. and Austin, Rachelle (Josh) Croy of Michigan and children Rylie and Jaxon, Eric (Claire) Schmitz and daughter Bryndle of Michigan, Danielle Schmitz (Andy Gee) and daughter, Makenzie, Cody (Amanda) Schmitz and daughter Adelae of Michigan and Nick Schmitz (Casey) and Tre and Ady of Albert Lea; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Fisher, and children Scott and Lacey; sister, Eldora Barnes, of Harrold; brother, Gary Keller, of Piere, S.D.; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, William and Evelyn Keller; her in-laws,  Nicholas and Margaret Schmitz; her husband, Robert Schmitz, in 1994; son, Danny, in 1981; son, Michael, in 1980; and brothers Gordon and Marvin Keller.

The footprint Eileen has left on our lives cannot be put into words, but her memories will forever put smiles in our hearts.