William John Schmitz

William John Schmitz, son of William John Schmitz Sr. and Margaret Brinks Schmitz, was born March 6, 1932 near Dedham, Iowa on the family farm and died October 2, 2007 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 75 years, 6 months and 26 days. Bill attended Catholic school. On August 19, 1961, Bill married Kathleen Becker in Coon Rapids, Iowa. The couple renewed their vows on February 18, 1998. Bill and Kathleen were parents of 7 children, Michelle, Dale, Jeff, Lori, Todd, Kelly, and Shawn. He had farmed and worked for the railroad, as well as for Massey Ferguson and doing carpentry work. Bill retired from Oscar Mayer and then worked for IBP. He later retired again. He enjoyed car races, walking, playing BINGO. Bill's brothers and sisters were very dear to him and they had always remained very close. His children fondly remember going back to the home place where Bill would help with the farm work. This love of family extended on to his children and grandchildren. Bill was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry and he belonged to Local 1149 Meat Cutters union. Bill was preceded in deathy by his parents, his wife Kathleen on April 16, 1999; brothers, Louis, Raymond, and Joe; sisters, Mary Swatta and Marlene Schmitz. Bill is survived by his daughters, Michelle Onnen(Mitchel), and Lori Lohman(Richard)all of Perry; sons, Dale Schmitz(Dee) and Jeff Schmitz(Robin) all of Dawson, Todd Schmitz and Kelly Schmitz(Michelle) all of Perry, and Shawn Schmitz of Boone; 15 grandchildren; brothers, Donald (Pauline)of Dedham, Bob (Clara) of York, Nebraska; sisters, Rita Becker and Marcella "Sally" Berning (Clarence) all of Carroll, Irma Morgan of Boone and Mildred Landon(Tom) of Alburn; sister-in-law Ruth Schmitz of Perry; brother-in-law, John Swatta of Indianola; nieces, nephews, other relatvies and many friends.