The full life of William George Schmitz came to a peaceful end on Sunday, January 9, 2011, at the glorious age of 88. He died at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born February 22, 1922 (2/22/22) in Kenosha, he was the son of the late Anthony B. and Maude (Sutton) Schmitz. On April 19, 1947, he married Julia A. Bodnar who preceded him in death on January 14, 2001. He attended local schools and graduated from Kenosha High School (Mary D. Bradford) and attended Kenosha College of Commerce. William served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, stationed in North Africa. After his service, he was employed by American Brass and then joined American Motors Corporation in 1947 where he worked for more than 37 years until his retirement in March, 1 1983 as Director of Industrial Relations and Administrative Manager. A resident of Kenosha, Wisconsin, he was a staunch supporter of the community, involved with many state and local organizations including the Kenosha Manufacturer’s Association, Wisconsin Manufacturer’s Association, Kenosha Chamber of Commerce, and numerous United Way Campaigns. He served as Chairman of the Kenosha Police and Fire Commission, President of the Wisconsin Sanatorium Trustees Association and Willowbrook Sanatorium and was instrumental in bringing Hospice Alliance to Kenosha. William was actively involved in numerous service organizations, including the Inns Program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was a member, Brookside Nursing Home, and St. Joseph High School, where he served on the Board of Trustees. The Elks Club, Eagles Club and the Knights of Columbus are among the fraternal service organizations in which he was active. William loved the game of golf, the highlight being his hole-in-one, enjoyed coaching Little League and was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion. William was preceded in death by his son, William, in infancy, brothers Ellsworth (Helen), Roger (Gloria), Harold, and sister Rose (Edward) McDonough. He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his brother Robert (Alice) Schmitz of Waunakee, WI, by two daughters, Janet Schmitz of Kenosha, Patricia (Gary) Schneider of Northbrook, IL, two sons Michael (Diane) of Kenosha and David (Deborah) of New Berlin, WI; seven granddaughters, Andrea (Timothy) Clark of Wilmette, IL, Lara (Anthony) Auriemma of Westchester, IL, Gloria (Michael) Morrone of Kenosha, Brianna Schmitz (Paul Scozzaro, Fiance) of Kenosha, Michelle (Aaron) Jaskolski of Kenosha, Haley Schneider of Northbrook, IL, and Katherine Schmitz of New Berlin, WI; six great-grandchildren, Alexa, Macy, Addison, Julia, Chloe, and William, along with many nieces and nephews. He is missed by his canine co-pilot, Tuxson. The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice Alliance, particularly Cathy Carroll for the loving care and support given to William and the family. Please join us in celebrating the life of William at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 12th, followed by a funeral mass at Noon. Entombment will follow after the mass at All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice Alliance, Inc.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit William’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Curt and Ann Wilson
January 12, 2011
Curt and I are currently in Florida and just heard of Bill's passing. We extend our sincere sympathy to the entire family. As you know Mike, your dad was one of my favorite people and they don't make them any better than him.
Margie Gentner
January 11, 2011
Mike: I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May God bless you and your family at this sad time in your life. You know that He wraps his loving arms around us all the time.
Jim & Gloria Kiffel
January 11, 2011
Bill was a great friend and one of the gang. Bill would always contact us when he got to Madison to visit his brother. I worked with Bill for many years and he was the shining star at AMC and was respected by all who worked for him and with him. I also shared a lot of fun times on his committee work and golf courses. We attended a lot of social events with Bill and Julie, had lots of laughs together. We will miss him and give your family our deepest sympathy and Gloria
Marlene Caldwell
January 11, 2011
I have fond memories of Mr. Bill Schmitz. Mr. Schmitz was Employment Manager at American Motors at the time I worked in this office in the early 1950's...
Michael Prescott
January 10, 2011
What can I say about my dear friend Bill that we don't already know. I will miss all the talks we had about cars or a new Van for Tuxson every year. His stories about American Motors, living in California and about WWII. Bill had a very special place in my heart and I will miss him very much. God Bless Bill and his family.
RON FALAK
January 10, 2011
BILL WAS A DEAR FRIEND OF MY BROTHER BOB FALAK AND I. I SPOKE WITH HIM RECENTLY AND HE WAS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT HIS CONDITION. MY SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED.
Jeff Dial
January 10, 2011
I will always remember " uncle Bill " for his warm smile and quick wit.He was a great friend of my father-in-law Frank Huber , and had a special place in my daughter Amanda's heart also. Bill always had a special bag for Amanda every Halloween, and the last few years continued that tradition with a bag for Amandas son , Hunter.A good man, with a great mind. Always positive and open with people. Will be missed by family, friends, and the whole community.