Andrew Charles “Charlie” Schmalz, a gentle spirit known for his sense of humor, died on May 26, 2008.
Mr. Schmalz was born March 8, 1918, on what was known as  the old Gutchel ranch, on the Montrose/Delta county line just east of U.S. 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 & 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 & horses to the Black Canyon on fishing expeditions and played baseball at every opportunity.
Charlie attended St. Michael’s 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, Colo., 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 avalanche paths 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), & his lifelong cousin & friend, Reverend Al Puhl. Charlie & Anne gave birth to nine children, two of whom died as infants: Francis Anne & 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, Margaret Scheetz, 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, CO 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,  on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 7 p.m..
Funeral Mass will be on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rite of Committal to follow at Delta Muncipal Cemetery in Delta.
Arrangements are being handled by Crippin Funeral Home; 802 E. Main St.; Montrose.