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2018
Donald H. Schmitz
Des Moines - Donald Henry Schmitz, 83, Des Moines, IA, died Friday, October 19, 2018 in Des Moines. He was born July 23, 1935 in Earling, IA to Hugo and Augusta Schmitz (Block).
Survivors include wife, Sandra Jean Schmitz (Rice); daughter, Kim Schmitz and Mike Kain; sons, Jeff Schmitz and Melissa Schooley and Kenny and Beth Schmitz; sisters, Mary Ann and Virgil Coenen and Arlene and Wayne Justice; brother, Gail Schmitz; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents Hugo & Augusta; son Randy, and brother Jerry and his wife Norma Schmitz.
Donald served in the U.S. Army in Germany as a radio operator. When he returned to the United States he moved to Des Moines for work, met the love of his life, Sandra, while 'scooping the loop', and made their home there. Don worked for Armstrong/Pirelli Tire as a tire builder for 35 years, and being a person not to sit idle, worked at Prairie Meadows another 19, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds for various events.
Donald and Sandra loved international travel the best but in earlier years did many camping trips with children right beside them. He enjoyed St. Louis Cardinal Baseball, Iowa Hawkeye sports, coaching his sons early on, and riding Roller Coasters with grandchildren. He was always active.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, October 24, 2018, 10:30am, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3300 Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50317. Burial with military honors will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines. The family will greet friends on Tuesday from 5 to 7pm, with a rosary at 7, at Iles Grandview Park Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317.
Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
5 Entries
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. It was so good to see Don at the Block get together last year. You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane (Block) Houston
Family
October 27, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Frank and Marilyn Cebuhar
October 23, 2018
a loved one
October 23, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones.
Charlene (Block) Yaple
October 23, 2018
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May the God who comforts all who mourn sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2
May C
October 20, 2018
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