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BORN
1920
DIED
2011
Johnny Schmitz Obituary
Born Nov. 27, 1920, in Wausau, he was a son of the late Otto and Mary (Fara) Schmitz.
Johnny was 20 years old when he broke into the big leagues on Sept. 6, 1941, with the Chicago Cubs. In a 13-year big league career, Schmitz played for the Cubs, Dodgers, Reds, Yankees, Senators, Red Sox and Orioles. Schmitz was nicknamed "Bear Tracks" because of the way he would shuffle to the mound. After returning to the Cubs from the Navy after World War II in 1946, he led the National League in strike outs and was named to the All-Star Team. Again he made the All-Star Team in 1948 while recording an 18-13 record despite the Cubs last place finish.
After retiring from baseball, Schmitz began working as a greens keeper at Wausau American Legion Golf Course in 1957. He became an excellent golfer. He also enjoyed spending time in northern Wisconsin hunting and ice fishing along with woodworking at his home.
Survivors include a son and daughter; his three nephews, Robert (Mary) Steif, Wausau, Paul Schmitz, Munich, Germany, and Allan (Lori) Schmitz, Texas; five nieces, Betty (John) Pieper, Wausau, Shirley (Matt) Loos, Rockford, Ill., Mary (Patrick) Murry, Beloit, and Diane (Randy) Carlson, Wausau, Gail (Mark) Coel, Illinois; and a sister-in-law, Adella Schmitz, Wausau.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Arthur, Donald and Edward; and two sisters, Gertrude and Ruth.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at the Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams St., Wausau. The Rev. Joel Brandt will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Johnny Schmitz
Kevin Drew
January 5, 2021
My dad passed away in 1997. I have only a small amount of his baseball memorabilia left, most of it was sold after he died. I recently moved with my family and I found Johnny's card in the bottom of a box that I hadn't opened in a long time. The card had been inside one my dad's scrapbooks that was sold 24 years ago and somehow fell out. It has old tape on it and is bent and not in great condition but I feel the need to send it to Johnny's family. If thats possible please let me know. My email is included and I would be happy to wrap Johnny's card up and mail it to his family. Thank you--my name is Kevin, I live in Roseville MN.
Edwin Abendroth
October 9, 2011
Dear Johnny: I was a Cub fan when you were in your prime. You were the one bright spot in that whole organization. I loved to watch you pitch especially against the Cardinals. Harvey Berkeen and you hooked up in some of the most memerable games I ever saw. Thank you for your military service and the great moments in baseball.
Ed Abendroth Wausau, WI 54401
paula murry-wallace
October 9, 2011
He will be missed
Barry McMahon
October 8, 2011
I contacted Johnny twice with questions regarding the years he spent in baseball. Johnny was always friendly in the mail and took time to answer a questionnaire that I sent him twenty-six years ago.I still have that.
Jodi Larocque
October 7, 2011
Al and entire family, I remember when Bob (Kutil Jr.) would talk about your Dad playing ball and when he was golfing. Sounds like he was a great man. God Bless your thru this time.
Jodi Larocque(Kutil)
John Rindfleisch
October 7, 2011
A True American, by taking time out of his baseball career to serve in WWII, and rejoining baseball after his military service, then returning to Wisconsin to retire. Thank you Johnny Schmitz and God Bless.
Kim Trudeau
October 7, 2011
I enjoyed working with John on my night shift. My condolences to his family.
Rainey Merklein Morgan
October 6, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to the Schmitz family. Mr Schmitz was a wonderful and talented man who was so very kind to my family. I met Johnny through my parents Norbert(Jim) and Diane Merklein. We were visiting Wausau while traveling to our next duty station(my Husband was in the Army at the time) My father took us to Pats Diner were my mother was working and we were enjoying breakfast and in in walked Johnny. My father introduced us and he was so gracious to my children and shared some ball stories, We left Pats Diner that day with an autographed baseball and cards and even a photo. What a great guy ! Here was this great major league ball player and he took the time to explain pitches and stories and just general knowledge about baseball. I will forever cherish that memory of Breakfast with Johnny at Pats Diner Thank you
Tracy Jaeck
October 6, 2011
It was a pleasure to meet John and get to know him in the short time he was with us at Wellington. My sincere condolences go out to all his family. He was a nice man and an interesting person to get to know.
Dave Obey
October 6, 2011
I became a Chicago Cub fan because of Johnny. I am proud to have a baseball autographed by him..My sincere condolences.
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