Tim Schmelz

Tim was the kind of man you hope to meet. To strangers, he might have seemed a bit gruff, but to those lucky enough to truly know him, Tim was pure heart. He was fiercely loyal, deeply loving, and endlessly thoughtful. A steady presence, a quiet protector, a warm soul.

He was born and raised in Lanesville, Indiana, where he attended Saint Mary’s Elementary and Lanesville High School. After earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Indiana University Southeast, he stayed close to home. There, he raised two beautiful children and built a life grounded in hard work, adventure and connection.

Tim had a fire in him, one that ignited every time he talked about building or racing off-road buggies. He wasn’t just passionate; he was legendary in those circles. A true craftsman at heart, he spent years collecting spare parts and turning them into treasures. He hunted, he built, he fixed. Tim worked timelessly over the years at Young Machine Shop and most recently at Reynolds. He was never one to shy away from a job that needed doing.

In 2016, Tim’s life changed when he married the love of his life, Mitzi Lyon. Their story was filled with laughter, teamwork and unwavering devotion. In Georgetown, Indiana, they built a life of beauty and simplicity, where Tim even got his beloved barn to house his treasures- thanks to Mitzi’s support and encouragement.

Together, they made memories in the quietest of moments and the most adventurous ones- exploring local covered bridges, traveling (especially to Jamaica), cooking side by side and simply being each other’s home. Tim recently bought a pellet smoker and couldn’t wait to cook up something special for Mitzi. He lived to love her well.

They loved big, boldly, unapologetically and it showed in everything they did.

Tim is survived by his cherished wife Mitzi Lyon, his beloved daughter Lauren Carney, his dear mother Martha Schmelz, his brothers Dan Schmelz (Robin) and Ted Schmelz (Jen), and a large extended family of nieces and nephews who adored him. He was preceded in death by his son Matt Schmelz, his brother Charles Schmelz and his father Leonard Schmelz.

Tim made his way to heaven just in time to celebrate Easter with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Together, Tim and Mitzi were faithful members of Grace Lutheran Church in New Albany, Indiana where their presence was a steady comfort for many.

Tim, you are the forever hug we didn’t know we needed, a drink on a hard day, a text we couldn’t quite understand, and a love that will never end.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Grace Lutheran Youth.

A visitation for Tim will be held Monday, April 21, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana 47150. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 1787 Klerner Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150.

Tim will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, 2500 St. Mary's Road NE, Lanesville, Indiana 47136.