Dr. Richard Jay Schmitz

Dr. Richard Jay Schmitz
Dr. Richard Jay Schmitz, passed away at the age of 83, on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at St. Joseph Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on May 14, 1940, the son of the late LeRoy and Dorothy (nee Bolton) Schmitz. A lifelong Joliet resident, he was a graduate of Joliet Central High School and went on to further his education at Loyola Dental School in Chicago. Dick proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he completed a one year dental internship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. After completing his internship, Dick went on and served two and a half years in Turkey. Upon returning home, he opened his dental practice and enjoyed a long dedicated career before retiring in 2007. He was a member of the Dental Society and was a Charter Member of Faith Lutheran Church.
Throughout his life, Dick enjoyed spending his time outdoors. He loved boating and fishing with family and friends, working in his garden, and was a talented woodworker. He also enjoyed traveling and learning about history. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sandra L. (nee Reedy) Schmitz; his son, Karl Schmitz; four grandchildren, Derek Schmitz, Monikka (fiancé Justin Chambers) Schmitz, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Schmitz, and Brittney (boyfriend, Alex Edgar) Schmitz; great-grandchildren, Eli, Skylar, Bailey, Elliana, Devyn, and one additional great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by one brother, Charles (Anne) Schmitz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded by his parents; his two sisters, Carolyn Schmitz, and Barbara Schmitz; and his faithful canine companions, "Akila" and "Baby".
Funeral Services for Dr. Richard Jay Schmitz will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Air Force. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Tunnel to Towers.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.