On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, William E. (Bill) Schmitz joyfully went to his eternal rest after a brief illness. Bill was born on August 2, 1938 in Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin. His family moved multiple times throughout his childhood and he attended 15 schools before graduating from St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. His greatest passion growing up was playing football until he met his wife, Katie at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He loved his wife above all else and his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were his greatest treasures.
Bill loved spending time at his lake house where he found great joy in peaceful quiet with Katie and in the happy chaos of the family. He coached football until he retired and cherished every relationship that passion afforded him. He was a die hard Notre Dame fan, loved to cheer for the Braves, and relished his time on the golf course with friends. Bill loved ice cold beer and adored his Golden Retriever, Molly. He had countless friends and was a mentor and teacher of life’s greatest lessons to all who knew him. He was the consummate storyteller and he didn’t care how many times you’d heard the story before.
Bill was the Chief Financial Officer and a football coach at Marist School until he retired. He was an active member at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church and a proud Marine Corp Veteran. Most of all, Bill was a lover of life and people, and he made sure you knew it.
Bill is survived by the love of his life for 60 years, Katie Schmitz, daughters Debbie Garner (Steve), Judy McClure ( Mike), Kristin Baker (Todd), Lisa Phelan (Sean), son Bill Schmitz ( Holly), 20 Grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and sister Barbara Lund (Roger), and 5 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Catherine Schmitz and brother Robert Schmitz.
A Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church on Friday October 22, 2021 at 4:00 pm with Bishop Joel Konzen, SM officiating. A visitation is planned for Thursday October 21, 2021 at H.M. Patterson-Oglethorpe Hill from 4:00- 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Bill’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at St.Jude.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hmpattersonOglethorpe.com.
To attend the livestreamed services of Mr. Bill Schmitz, please join the link below.
https://vimeo.com/637054969
