William L Schmitz

Bill, as he was called, was born on January 22, 1931 to parents Henry and Ruth Schmitz in Manhattan, Kansas. After graduating high school, Bill went on to earn his Business and Political Science degree from Ottawa University, Kansas in 1952. There he was the sports announcer on the popular college radio station and played on the tennis team. One night he offered four tired college girls a ride back to their dorm and met his wife of almost 70 years, Freda Kingcade.

Although his 1st job was an insurance adjuster with Liberty Mutual, Bill soon went on to a lengthy and stellar career with Hallmark Marketing Corporation, spending many years as Regional Sales Vice-President of the Southeast and later the West Coast divisions.

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife Freda and children Sandra Dufano, Stan Schmitz and Sharon Kafie. He was a proud Grandfather “Pop-pop” to Alexander and Cassandra Dufano, Kristin, Kelly, Stanton Schmitz+ and Justin and Joshua Kafie, as well as his great grandchildren Atticus Dufano, Bonnie and Audrey Hall.

Bill was a true lover of life. Often considered larger than life in both character, kindness and physical height. A consistent reader and Dallas Cowboys fan, Bill also enjoyed gardening, politics, theater, travel, dining and dessert, especially ice-cream. As an executive at Hallmark Cards, he was an inspiring leader; greatly loved and admired by his salespeople and co-workers as they forged their way through 35 years of successful business and marketing campaigns. As a quiet family man, his children and grandchildren knew him as a wonderful Father and “Pop-pop” who was truly one of a kind. Honest, loyal, generous and determined describe a man who inspired us all to be a little better each day and to never give up.