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Donald Schmautz Obituary
Donald L. Schmautz of Chula Vista, CA passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023. Don was born in North Dakota, to John and Frieda Schmautz on April 17, 1936.
He moved to San Diego as a young boy and he graduated from Chula Vista High School with the Class of '55 where he was the star half back of the winning CIF Champion Football team that same year. He married his high school sweetheart Patricia, and they were happily married for 55 years.
Don served his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from March 1960 until May 28, 1965.
Don had a dedicated 39-year career in aerospace with Rohr Industries where he diligently worked his way up from the factory floor to becoming a Director and member of the Senior Management Team.
When he wasn't working, Donald loved to fish, hunt and spend time with his wife, kids and family. Later in life, he spent his summers with his wife Pat at their cabin in Panguitch Lake, Utah. Don was a terrific cook and he never passed up an invitation to happy hour or a full glass of wine.
Don is survived by his brothers Jim and wife Gina Schmautz of CA and Ray and the late Jan Schmautz of FL, and his two children, Denise Meyer of San Diego, CA and Darrin Schmautz of Shrewsbury, MA. Don has four grandchildren: Keith and Derek Meyer, and Justin and Connor Schmautz, and two great-granddaughters.
The family will be having a Celebration of Life later this summer in California.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Schmautz
Betty Lusky
April 24, 2023
Don was a wonderful friend since high school and all our adult years. Many memories of fun times including our annual Super Bowl Party where Don just loved bringing his favorite hors d'oeuvre. Always a kick to be around...never knew what was coming next a real character. He and Bob loved fishing the Sierra's on opening day & the cold, cold adventures that included.
We raised our families together, camping & skiing and the kids, now adults are still very close.
So lucky to have had such wonderful friends.
Keith Meyer
April 24, 2023
A poem written by Keith Meyer, Don's Grandson:
Rub Some Dirt On It
Grandpa, you were tough as nails,
A man who never failed,
To stand up for what was right,
To fight the good fight.
You had a heart of gold,
And a love that never grew old,
For family, friends and all,
You stood strong and proud, always on call.
Your moral compass always true,
You taught us all what we should do,
To never give up or give in,
But to keep fighting until we win.
And when we fell and scraped our arm,
"Rub some dirt on it", you'd utter with charm,
A lesson we learned sometimes with shame,
But also to keep fighting, no matter what came.
Your accomplishments were great,
With shoulders carrying impressive weight,
Probably more than we know,
Except the blender you threw in the snow :)
So now we say goodbye,
To a man who touched our lives,
But we know you'll always be with us,
In our hearts and in our minds.
Rest in peace, Grandpa,
And thank you for everything you've done,
We'll carry on your legacy,
And keep fighting until we've won.
Love,
Keith
Carol Molyneaux
April 18, 2023
Knew of Don at CVHS and for many years at Rohr Industries. He was always a STAR! Sincerest condolences,
Carol Molyneaux
Carol Molyneaux
Jim McKechnie
April 16, 2023
I worked for Don at Rohr. He was one of the greatest bosses that anyone could request. My response was to say "Hello," to Don at the quarterly retirement luncheons.
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Jim Pere
April 16, 2023
Condolences from a fellow Rohr retiree (2011).
Rebekah Reinhart
April 16, 2023
Uncle Don always had a big warm smile. I´m thankful for all the family gatherings when we were younger. We love you guys!
LAUREN SCHMAUTZ
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