Ferdinand “Fritz” H. Schmeling, 90, of Hutchinson passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Gathering of Family and Friends was held Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel with private family interment in St. Anastasia Cemetery in Hutchinson. Memorials preferred to Hutchinson DAV, Cedar Mills Rod & Gun Club, Hutchinson Elks Lodge 2427 or the donor’s choice.
 Ferdinand “Fritz” Harold Schmeling was born on August 2, 1934, in Acoma Township, McLeod County. He was the son of Bernhard and Ida (Schroeder) Schmeling. Fritz was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Acoma Township. Fritz renewed his faith as an adult at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. He received his education in Hutchinson Public School, District 15, and Immanuel Lutheran Schools.
 On April 25, 1953, Fritz was united in marriage to Dororthy Jean Bjork at St. Anastasia Parish House in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with four children, Mary, David, Brian, and Craig. Fritz and Dorothy resided in Hutchinson. They shared 56 years of marriage prior to the passing of Dorothy on January 6, 2010.
 Fritz was employed at Minnesota, Mining and Manufacturing (3M) for 11 years. He owned and operated Schmeling Oil Company in Hutchinson for 32 years before retiring in 1997. Fritz was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus and Hutchinson Elks Lodge 2427.
 Fritz enjoyed old time music, dancing, playing cards, collecting antiques, and going to flea markets. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
 Blessed be his memory.
 Fritz is survived by his sons, David Schmeling and his wife Lori of Minneapolis, Brian Schmeling and his wife Christine of Hutchinson, Craig Schmeling and his wife Megan of Hutchinson; eight grandchildren, Paul, Anna, Peter, Ingrid, Andrea, Eric, Taylor and Jennifer; 12 great-grandchildren, Luella, Freyja, August, George, Lucia, Hank, Rose, Camden, Callie, Ariana, Leo and Luca; brother, Louis Schmeling and his wife Arlene of Hutchinson; brother-in-law, Vern Lietzau of Hutchinson; many other relatives and friends.
 Fritz is preceded in death by his parents, Bernhard and Ida Schmeling; wife, Dorothy Schmeling; daughter, Mary Schmeling; grandson, Chad Schmeling; siblings, Hazel (Lloyd) Dahlke, Phyllis (Henry) Stern, Janet Lietzau.
 Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com.