It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear father, mentor, rock, and part time joker, Denis Schmitz. Pops passed away unexpectedly the afternoon of November 11, 2019.
He spent his life passing on his legacy of the great outdoors with his passion for boating, fishing and hunting. Dad valued working hard, being kind to others, bringing people together and sharing his infectious humor and fun-loving attitude! Pops named his boat “The Legacy” because that was what he was all about, passing on the legacy of his father before him, and then himself to his family and friends. Dad was an adventurer and mentor. Being on the water was one of his favorite activities as well as gardening and working in his workshop. He was definitely a card player...you could always count on getting pulled into a game of cribbage or sheepshead.
Dad loved his family and wanted the best for all of us. He was filled with gratitude for all that he had been given in life. We will all dearly miss his exuberance, his stories, goofy songs, family prayers, and his steadfastness in times of need. HE is our Legacy.
He is survived by his brother, Michael Schmitz (Cheryl) of Pensacola, Florida; five children, Chris (Janis) Schmitz and Rick (Jan) Schmitz of Jacksonville, FL, Catherine (Paul) Egelhoff of Boulder Junction, WI, Theresa (Scott) Dalton of Madison, WI and Julia Schmitz of Fond du Lac, WI; 15 grandchildren and many more great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet, his wife, Marilyn and his daughter, Denise Preuss.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Church,200 S. Peters Avenue, from 11-12:45 pm with a mass to follow at 1pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Fr. Ryan Pruess will preside.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed a local hospice or the Fond du Lac Senior Center.
Previous Events
Visitation
19
Nov
200 S. Peters Avenue
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Service
19
Nov
200 S. Peters Avenue
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Agnesian Hospice Hope
Fond du Lac, WI 54937
