Andrew Charles "Charlie" Schmalz March 8, 1918 - May 26, 2008 Charlie Schmalz, a gentle spirit known for his sense of humor, was born March 8, 1918, on what was known as the old Gutchel ranch, on the Montrose/Delta county line just east of Highway 50. His brother, Tony, used to tell how cold it was that night when he had to go by horseback to get their friend, the midwife, Mrs. Andrew Kramer. Charlie was born to Antone and Annaliese (Puhl) Schmalz, German immigrants from Russia. He was one of 13 children, two of whom died very young. Charlie's first language was German. The family bought a farm on Ash Mesa (west of Olathe) where Charlie grew up. The local boys loved to take their mules and horses to the Black Canyon on fishing expeditions and played baseball at every opportunity. Charlie attended St. Michaels Catholic School in Delta, the same school all of his children attended. He lived all his life in Delta and Montrose Counties except for a brief time living and working in Pueblo. He married Cecilia Anne Kiefer of Mack, CO., on November 8, 1945, in Delta. Farming was his favorite way of life and he bought part of his father's Ash Mesa farm. In 1950, he became the Star Route Mail carrier delivering mail to post offices in Ridgway, Ouray, and Silverton from Montrose. He retired in 1980 after spending 30 years and 10,000 trips on what the Post Office called the most hazardous route in the U.S. due to the 41 avalanches crossing the highway. Many Silverton and Ouray residents became like a second family. Besides delivering the mail, Charlie delivered milk, bread, ice cream, newspapers, and prescriptions. Charlie was often the only one allowed over Red Mountain Pass when the road was closed to all others. Charlie was preceded in death by all his siblings: brothers Tony (Mollie), Manuel (Irene), Phil (Ruth), Ed (Mary), Joe (Arla), Bob (Joyce); sisters: Ann (Lawrence Scheetz), Barbara (George Hausner), Mary (Ralph Scheetz), Agnes (Charles Fedler), and his lifelong cousin and friend, Reverend Al Puhl. Charlie and Anne gave birth to nine children, two of whom died as infants: Francis Anne and Mark Joseph. Charlie's wife Anne and seven children survive him; Charles (Paulette) of Silverton; Regina Sowell of Montrose; Martin (Diana) of Grand Junction; Regis (Roxie) of Olathe; Marianne Schmalz of Montrose; Chris (Birgitt) of Montrose and Mark (Terry) of Grand Junction; nine grandchildren, Crystal (Bobby), Ryan (Becky), Jordan Sowell, Charlie, Matt, Anna, Annaliese, Andreas, and Tristan; four great grandchildren, Austin, Ryan, Rafe, and Reily and a summer expected great granddaughter. Other survivors include sisters-in -law Arla and Joyce Schmalz, Agnes and Genevieve Kiefer, and many nieces and nephews. Charlie's interests were his church and family, his many friends and coffee buddies. He was an avid reader, with a passion for geology, history, politics and geography. A devoted rock and arrowhead collector, he loved both the mountains and deserts, teaching his children the love of the outdoors and nature. Memorial contributions may be made to Montrose Hospice, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose 81402 or Grand Junction Catholic Outreach, 240 White Ave.; Grand Junction, CO. 81501 Vigil and Rosary will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Montrose, CO. on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rite of Committal to follow at Delta Municipal Cemetery in Delta, CO. Arrangements are being handled by Crippin Funeral Home; 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO. 81401.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on 5/29/2008