Julie Ann Schmaltz

Julie (Irwin) Schmaltz passed away peacefully on December 30, 2023 in her home on Devils Lake ND.

She was born on October 11, 1943 in Grand Forks ND. She grew up on a farm near Forest River ND. She was a farm girl through and through. She graduated from Forest River High School in 1961 which was the last graduating class in Forest River. She married her high school sweetheart Gary Irwin in 1961. They made their home on the Gowan farm where she grew up and worked hard helping run the farm, making meals and many other tasks. They farmed until Gary's death in 1984. They raised two children, Jeff and Debbie.

Following Gary’s death, she went back to school and attended North Valley Career Center in Grafton ND and was trained as an administrative assistant. She began working for the State Developmental Center in Grafton ND after completing her education. Julie married Charlie Schmaltz from Park River ND in 1987 and they made their home there. They owned and operated the Alexander House hotel and restaurant in Park River. She continued to work for the State Developmental Center in HR and as chapel secretary until her retirement in 2005.

Charlie and Julie moved to their lake home in Devils Lake ND and spent several years enjoying summers living on the lake and winters in Apache Wells (Mesa) Arizona. She and her husband Charlie also went on many wonderful trips. Julie had many friends wherever she lived and enjoyed sewing, golfing, fishing, dancing, gardening and the occasional trip to a casino. She has 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandson along with stepchildren and step grandchildren. She was known for her quick wit and sense of humor.

She was a member of St Olaf Lutheran Church in Devils Lake and would attend church at the retreat center on Devils Lake during the summer months.

She is survived by her husband Charlie Schmaltz, Devils Lake ND; son Jeff (Melanie) Irwin, West Fargo ND; daughter Debbie (Shawn) Landeis, Forest River ND; granddaughters Carly (Tanner) Bjerke; Emylee (Logan) Kilichowski, grandsons, Zack Landeis & Taylor (Betsy) Irwin and great grandson, Parker Bjerke; sister Margaret (Harley) Swenson, Bismarck ND and brother Bill (Orrinne) Gowan, Devils Lake ND.

She is preceded in death by her first husband Gary Irwin and her parents George and Carolyn Gowan.

Visitation will be at the Forest River Community Church, Forest River, ND on Tuesday, Januayr 9, 2024 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The memorial service to celebrate Julie's life will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.also at Forest River Community Church, Forest River ND. Donations can be made to the Forest River Community Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley in Julie's honor.