Conventual Franciscan Brother Martin (James) Schmitz, 96, died Aug. 24.

Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, he was raised in Robbinsdale, Wisconsin.

He left school after 11th grade to enter the Conventual Franciscans with his twin brother, Philip, in 1948 and to be a part of the founding of Marytown, originally in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was invested a year later, professed first vows in 1951 and professed solemn vows in 1954.

In the early years of Marytown, one of the main functions was the production of the Immaculata magazine, and Brother Martin worked on the printing presses for years.

After Marytown moved to Libertyville and the community’s needs changed, he worked as cook, as treasurer and as the community’s vicar, according to Conventual Franciscan Brother Augustine Kelly, the Marytown community’s guardian.

Brother Martin ministered for a few years in Peoria, Illinois, but spent the rest of his active ministry at Marytown. When he retired, he moved to St. Joseph’s Home in Palatine, where he led the Divine Mercy chaplet every day.