Lawrence R. Schmitz

(LARRY), 89, passed away on April 19, 2013 in Sanford FL. Larry was born in Minneapolis, MN to Joseph and Mary Schmitz. He proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps in WWII and was stationed in the Pacific Theater of operation, leaving the service in April 1946 with the rank of SSgt. After returning home he married Eileen Girdler on July 19, 1947. They were married for 62 years. Larry and Eileen moved to central Florida in February of 1957. He was a letter carrier for 33 years with the Winter Park Post Office. Larry was a faithful member of St James Catholic Church from 1957 until his death. He enjoyed serving there for more than 56 years in a variety of ministries. Next to his family, serving at his church was the greatest joy of his life. He leaves behind many dear church friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Eileen and his brothers Joseph Schmitz and Phil Schmitz. He is survived by his daughters Catherine Gander (John) of Chattanooga TN, Mary Bolton, St. Louis, MO, and son Greg of Winter Park and his grandchildren Aubrey Woolley of Washington D.C., Dr. Lauren Woolley of San Diego, CA and Alex Bolton of St. Louis. He is also survived by his brother Martin Schmitz, a Franciscan Brother, who resides at Marytown in Libertyville IL and sister-in-law Edna Schmitz of Hernando FL and 15 nieces and nephews. Visitation and Rosary service will be held on Tuesday, April 23 from 6-8p.m. at the Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. John McCormick at St. James Catholic Cathedral Wednesday at 10a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Gotha. In lieu of flowers at Larry's request, donations may be sent to EWTN at 5817 Old Leeds Rd. Irondale, Al. 35210. Services entrusted to Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando 32806. 407.898.2561.