Donald Edward Schmaltz

Donald "Don" Edward Schmaltz, 85, of St. Clair Shores, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 26, 2025.
Born in Detroit, Michigan on November 26, 1939, Don was the son of William and Viola Schmaltz. He graduated from Southeastern High School in 1958 and soon after answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army. He spent over three years as a Military Police officer stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serving on a high-security base. After his honorable discharge, he continued his commitment to public service as a Police Officer in Albuquerque before returning home to Michigan.
Don's career spanned more than three decades with the Grosse Pointe Woods Department of Public Safety, where he served as a Road Patrol Officer and later in the Youth Services Division. His passion for helping young people shaped much of his career, especially through his work in the schools of the Grosse Pointes. He was honored as "Officer of the Year" during his tenure, and his dedication never wavered-even after surviving a life-threatening injury in the line of duty in 1968.
After retiring in 1996, Don transitioned into education, teaching Driver's Education to thousands of students through two companies before founding the Grosse Pointe Driving School. Over the course of nearly 20 years, he proudly taught an estimated 10,000 Segment I and 9,000 Segment II students. He remained proud of his perfect driving record-never receiving a ticket nor being at fault in an accident.
In July 1991, Don married Diane Lovelace in Netarts, Oregon. Together, they built a loving life in a beautiful home on Lake St. Clair, enjoying winters in Beaufort, South Carolina. Don was a man of many interests: he loved art, sports, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing (on both snow and water), and target shooting.
He was a dedicated member of several organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the Grosse Pointe Crisis Club, and was a lifetime member of the NRA, Michigan Antique Arms Collectors, and the Ohio Gun Collectors Association.
Don is survived by his sons, Jon Schmaltz (Sara) of Marysville, MI and Donald Schmaltz (Laura Davis) of Chicago, IL; and stepsons Frederick "JR" (Shannon Duffany) of Cheshire, CT, and Cameron Lovelace (Marlis) of Southington, CT. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Jack, William, and Vivienne Lovelace; Rachel (fiancé Dylan Greenberg), Rebekah (Brett Shean), Abigail, Alexandria, Samantha, Jason, and Julianna Schmaltz. He is also survived by his sister Joanne Werner and nephews John, Steve (Allison), Paul (Sue), and Mark (Cindy).
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife Diane, his parents William and Viola Schmaltz, his brother-in-law John Werner, and his granddaughter Stephanie Schmaltz.
Don leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and deep dedication to his family, community, and country. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A funeral service with full military honors will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at noon at Ross Bible Church 2865 Maywood Drive, Port Huron, MI 48060. Visiting hours will be Friday, August 1, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Grace Memorial Life Celebration Center, 4521 Ravenswood Road, Kimball, MI 48074 and Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ross Bible Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Memorial. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald, please visit our Tree Store.