THOMAS DEWEY SCHMITKE

THOMAS DEWEY

SCHMITKE

After a valiant and courageous 3 year battle with Cancer, Thomas D. Schmitke passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at home in Orland. He was born in Chico, CA on February 6, 1986 to Casey and Vickie (Lowden) Schmitke.

Tom lived his entire life in Orland, attending school there and later working for T. M. Duche Nut Co. and Jensen Precast, where he made many friends.

He leaves behind his parents, Casey Schmitke and Vickie and Greg Lorenzo; brother, Grant (Angela) Schmitke; step-brother, Scott (Tasha) Lorenzo and step-sister, Melissa (Marvin) Pratt. Tom also leaves a daughter, Alexis Jimenez-Schmitke and Veronica Jimenez, the mother of his daughter, along with her parents, Elvira and Vincente Jimenez; grandparents are Gary and Pat Schmitke, Wilma Schmitke and Elsie Lorenzo along with uncles, Brad and Brian Lowden, Jere and Jack Schmitke; aunts, Val Hall, Joey Schuller, Jamie Ficarra, Betty Macy and Bernice Downer, and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Dale Schmitke, Jim Lowden, and John Lorenzo.

Tom was a devoted father, taking on much of Lexi's care over the past year when he was feeling well. Fishing and hunting were his passion and he was always happiest when on the river striper fishing or in the mountains deer hunting. Tom made good friends easily and was never judgemental of anyone. He loved to tease and joke and sooner or later you would fall victim to one of his pranks! We will always remember and cherish his brave spirit, sweet smile and loving ways.

A Memorial service will be held for Tom on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at F.D. Sweet & Son Mortuary, 825 A St., Orland, CA 95963. Following the service, a lunch will be served at the Arts & Crafts Bldg. at the Orland Fairgrounds.

Donations may be made to an account for Alexis Jimenez Schmitke at Bank of America, Orland Branch, or sent directly do F. D. Sweet & Son Mortuary.