Brian J. Schmitz

1966 - 2016

Schmitz, Brian J.

Brian J. Schmitz, age 50, of New Holstein, passed away suddenly after suffering an apparent heart attack while cutting wood at his parents' home on Friday, November 25, 2016.

He was born January 14, 1966, to Eugene and Dolores (Steffen) Schmitz. He attended CPES and graduated from New Holstein High School in 1984. Brian received his associate degree in electromechanical engineering at Moraine Park in 1986. He obtained his bachelor degree in electrical programming at UW-Stout in 1989.

On May 30, 1992, he married his college sweetheart, Christy Niehausen, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marytown.

Brian began his working career at Tecumseh Engine Products in New Holstein from 1989-1991. He worked at PW Stoelting LLC in Kiel from 1991-2014 when he took a job at Johnsonville until 2016. He most recently was employed with the Kohler Company in the design engineering & testing department in the faucet division.

He was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in New Holstein where he also served as an usher. Brian used his expertise in handy work for the church and Divine Savior School.

Brian enjoyed fishing, camping, hiking and kayaking with his family. He could often be found working with his hands and creative mind to create "wacky" inventions including S.A.M.M. (soda and alcohol mixing machine) and the B.O.S.S.S. (beer or soda shuttle service) to develop the ultimate Packer man cave. He also loved making his house a home with his wood crafting abilities. His handiwork expertise was offered to any family member or friend when asked. His ultimate love was that of his children and wife.

Survivors include his wife, Christy; his four children, Alexander, Meghan, Zachary and Michael; his parents, Eugene & Dolores Schmitz of Marytown; his brothers and sisters, Jim (Barb) Schmitz of Milwaukee, Dave (Kay) Schmitz of Sheboygan, Dr. Paul (Tracy) Schmitz of Green Bay, Dianna (Larry) Wolff of Two Rivers, Deb (Gary) Friederichs of Chilton, Joan Schmitz of Fond du Lac and Susan Daun of St. Cloud; his mother-in-law, Patricia (Jerome) Vetting of Manitowoc; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Colleen (Bruce) Riesterer of Reedsville, Bill Niehausen & Connie Tonn of Portage, Brad (Wendy) Vetting of Maryland, Troy Vetting of Minnesota and Stacie (Dale) Christel of Bellvue. He is further survived by uncles; aunts; many nieces and nephews; cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Preceding him in death were paternal grandparents; maternal grandparents; his god-father, Jerome Schmitz; his uncle, Eugene Steffen: his brother-in-law, Darrel Daun and his father-in-law, W. Neal Niehausen.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1724 Madison Street New Holstein, Wisconsin 53061.

Visitation: Family and friends may call at the Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Avenue in New Holstein on Friday, December 2, 2016, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Visitation will also be held Saturday morning, December 3rd at Holy Rosary Church from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM.

Brian will be laid to rest in the Holy Rosary Cemetery following the Mass.

For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net

Brian was a very giving person. He donated his bones, eyes and skin tissues so that others may live on through him.