Melvin ‘Mel’ Joseph Schmitz

Owner of Schmitz Cottages, 70Melvin “Mel” Joseph Schmitz, 70, of Tolovana Park, died Monday, May 10, 2004 in Tolovana Park.

He was born Feb. 15, 1934 in Sellwood to Paul and Margaret (Tobin) Schmitz.

Mr. Schmitz was raised in Sellwood. He graduated from Benson High School in Portland. He later attended Linfield College in McMinnville.

On Sept. 11, 1955, he married Norma Ring in McMinnville. They later divorced.

Mr. Schmitz and his father were owner/operators of Schmitz & Son Gas Station in Sellwood. He later worked as a diesel mechanic at Hudson House in Sellwood for many years. Most recently, he owned and operated Schmitz Cottages in Tolovana Park, which he inherited from his parents.

Family members say he enjoyed playing golf and playing poker at the American Legion.

He was a member of the American Legion in Cannon Beach and the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia and Waid Fetty of Clackamas, Lori and Don B. Douglas of Oregon City and Susan and Roger Braun of Milwaukie; a sister, Beverly Klever of Florence; a granddaughter, Kristi Douglas of Oregon City; four grandsons, Don P. Douglas of Oregon City, Michael Fetty of Milwaukie and Jacob and Christopher Braun of Milwaukie; and two great-grandchildren are due in the fall.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Hall, 1216 S. Hemlock, Cannon Beach.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lower Columbia Hospice, in care of Hughes-Ransom Cremation & Mortuaries, 220 N. Holladay Dr., Seaside, OR 97138.