David L. Schmutz

David Lawrence Schmutz, 76, of Galesburg, formerly of Peoria, passed away at 12:08 p.m., Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at OSF Richard L Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
He was born February 17, 1949 in Peoria, to Arlin and Eva (Lawrence) Schmutz. He married Deloris Socha. He later married Robin Ludolph on May 26, 1989, in Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are seven children; Lisa (Bruce Lukanich) Schmutz of Lisle, IL, David (Alice) Schmutz of Brooksville, FL, Lori (Darrin) Leitner of Tremont, IL, Lana (Brian) Tranchitella of Washington, IL, Lindsay (Michael) DelGallo of Downers Grove, IL, Kelly Franklin of Alexis, IL, Matthew (Bianca) Schmutz of North Henderson, IL; two brothers, Arlin Schmutz of Princeton, IL and Rick (Brenda) Schmutz of Colorado; one brother-in-law, Francis Morse of Tiskilwa, IL; 25 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Christopher Schmutz and one sister, Sandra Morse.
Dave was drafted by the U.S. Army out of high school and became a proud Vietnam War Veteran. After serving his country, he became an electrician. He worked as an electrician for Keystone Steel & Wire for many years before working at Caterpillar for the next 10 years. After getting laid off by CAT, Dave reenlisted in the Army. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood before transferring to Germany. When he came back from Germany he decided to become an Army recruiter for the next several years. After retiring from the Army, he worked at Butternut as the maintenance man and electrician retiring after many years of service.
Dave was an avid fisherman. He also loved to travel the U.S. and visited all 50 states. Family was most important to Dave. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren going to as many events as he possibly could. He touched many hearts and lives and will forever be missed.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 24, 2025, at The Wilton Mortuary in Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the Mortuary. Rev. Howard Love will officiate. Burial will be in Sheets Cemetery in Wyoming, IL.
Memorials may be made to any Veteran organization in honor of Dave.
Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.