From Left to Right: Laura Schmitz, Ted Schmitz, Dave Schmitz, Ellen Schmitz

    Schmitz's Economart has experienced many changes during its evolution to its present location and look. 
    The business was started by Dave's mother and father, Jim and Julia Schmitz, in 1937.  They had a partner for many years, S.A. Wallace and his wife Velma.  The Schmitz's ran the meat market and dairy side of the Business, while "Wally" ran the grocery and Produce departments.  The business was known as "Wallace Grocery and Schmitz Meats".  Wally and Jim joined the Super Valu, buying group in 1941 and the business name was changed to Wally and Jim's Super Valu.  Wally and Jim built a new store in 1966  after being in 3 locations on main street for almost 30 years, they moved off main street two blocks south to Ash St.
      Jim and Julia bought out their partners, the Wallaces, in 1973 when Wally retired and the name of the business was changed to Jim's Super Valu.  In 1975 Jim and Julia decided to retire and Dave and his family moved  to Spooner and bought the business.
      Dave was "born into the  grocery business" in 1943.  He graduated from Spooner High in 1962 and WSU River Falls in 1968. He joined the US Marines and served for 5 years as a helicopter pilot.  He spent a year in Vietnam before being stationed in California for two years.  He met and married  Ellen Chappell there in 1971. 
      Ellen was born and raised in Southern California.  She graduated from California State College at San Jose with a degree in Home Economics Education.  She taught High School in Newport Beach California for 10 years.  Dave and Ellen have three children: Gretchen, Ingrid and Ted.  All have worked in the family business during High School and College.