Joseph Jean Schmitz

Joe Schmitz passed away peacefully in his home in Modesto at the age of 81 on June 1, 2021. He has now joined his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Melba Schmitz, in the after-life. She passed away in May 2019. He was a warm and loving husband, dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who was loved by many. He had a great sense of humor and usually had a "Cheshire Cat" grin when teasing and joking with someone.

He was born at St Mary's Hospital in Modesto December 21, 1939 to Herbert and Viola Schmitz. He was the youngest of 3 boys. He grew up helping his dad and brothers on their ranch in the area. He graduated from Denair high school in 1958 and then he joined the Navy. He and Melba were married 2 years later in 1960. After the Navy, He went to work for Moore Business Forms where he ran huge printing presses. He worked there for over 35 years until the plant closed which allowed him to retire early.

He enjoyed camping, hunting, "tinkering around" in his garage either by fixing, inventing, building and making gadgets or other items and woodworking. After retiring, he and Melba enjoyed cooking Asian food together and having dinner parties. They liked going to different casinos and playing the penny slot machines and they traveled to see family members who lived out of town or out of state, sightseeing all the way there and back. They drove down to San Diego often to visit their daughters, Sandy and Susan and their grandson Trevor.

He is survived by his daughters, Sandy Schmitz Walls and Susan Schmitz, grandson Trevor Schmitz; niece, Christine Baisdon and adopted son, Jack Baisdon, brother-in-law, Gerald Holloway, and many other nieces and nephews. Several friends of the family referred to him as "Uncle Joe". He will be missed very much.

Joe's wishes were, if donations were to be made, they would be made to:

Community Hospice in memory of Melba Schmitz. https://give.hospiceheart.org/annual-fund/