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Christopher M. Schmitz, 60

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Christopher M. Schmitz, age 60 of Leadville, Colorado, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at his home.

Memorial services for Chris will be held at a later date.

Christopher Michael Schmitz was born on Sept. 4, 1961, to Ronald and Carol (Nosbisch) Schmitz in Ames.  

The family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Chris attended school and graduated from Stevens High School. 

He received his bachelors of science degree in geological engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and later earned his master’s degree in mineralogy from Arizona State University.  

Chris worked in mining in Arizona, the Congo and Colorado.  Mining was his life’s work.  

Chris enjoyed hiking, rock collecting, photography, hunting, fishing, and reading.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family every summer at his cabin near Custer, South Dakota.

Chris is survived by his mother, Carol Schmitz of New Hampton; sister, Cathy Schmitz of Henderson, Nevada; and brothers, Paul Schmitz of New Hope, Minnesota, Tom Schmitz of Rapid City, South Dakota and John Schmitz of Rapid City, South Dakota.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Chris was preceded in death by his father Ronald in 1984.

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