Donald Arthur Schmitz was born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, the son of Albert Schmitz and Catherine Holzem Schmitz on July 24, 1941 and departed this life on July 24, 2020 at his home in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 79 years.
He is survived by two sons, Buck Don Schmitz and his partner, Jim Logan, and Joseph Schmitz and wife, Kelli; one daughter, Lynette Mero; six grandchildren, Ashley Schmitz, Nicholas Mero, Alex Mero, Nathan Mero, Ryan Schmitz and Kyle Schmitz; one sister, Betty Magnusson and her husband, Art; and his significant other, Helen Trimble; other relatives; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Catherine Schmitz; one son, John Schmitz; three brothers, Fr. John Schmitz, Jerry Schmitz, and James Schmitz; and one sister, Annetta Benzing.
Don graduated from high school and then joined the U.S. Army Reserve, was called up to active and then returned to the Army Reserve to complete his honorable service.
He was of the Roman Catholic faith.
Don was a carpenter, working mainly in residential construction. He also owned and operated Riverview Motel in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas for many years.
He liked to ride his motorcycle and travel the country on his motorcycle or in his RV. Don was also an avid card player.
He will be missed by his family and all that knew him.
A visitation will be held Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri. Services are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
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July 28, 2020 @ 11:54 am
Joseph/Kelli and the Schmitz Family,
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family upon the loss of you Father, Don. You and your family will be in my daily prayers/thoughts.
May God comfort, encourage, and support all of you through this difficult time. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Amber Redburn(aka Mrs. Amber)
July 28, 2020 @ 8:08 pm
So glad I had the chance to meet and get to know Don. He had a dry wit and would catch you off guard with his one-liners. He was a great card partner and we both shared the love of ice cream. He will be missed, but will always be with us.
July 31, 2020 @ 9:19 am
So sorry for your loss Joe .