Frederick Raymond Schmitz, Sr.

     Frederick Raymond Schmitz, Sr., age 72 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023, at his home. 

     A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. 

     Frederick was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 2, 1951, the son of Frederick A. and Rosie (Cook) Schmitz.  He was a graduate of Pewamo Westphalia High School. He served in the U.S. Army. Frederick married Gale Ruthruff on June 5, 1982.  Gale passed away on April 23, 2019.

     Fred played in the Bluewater Band.  He enjoyed many different hobbies including music, hunting, movies, martial arts, sunbathing, and fitness.  Anything he did, he gave it his all. Fred served his country in the U.S. Army.  He retired from General Motors. Fred's grandchildren brought great joy to his heart. 

     He is survived by his children: Theresa Schmitz, Frederick Schmitz Jr., and Amber Pearce; his grandchildren: Kyra, Sasha, Sierra, Zander, Kal-El, and Zeak; his great-grandchildren: Renzo, Kynleigh and Kash; sisters: Rosemary Schmitz, Jackie Fall; brothers: Tom and MaryKay Schmitz, Dan and Val Schmitz, John and Tina Schmitz, Luke and Lorraine Schmitz, and brother Bob and Patty Schmitz; sisters-in-law: Debbie Cornell and Dawn Ruthruff; brother-in-law Terry and Judy Ruthruff.  Fred is also survived by many nieces, nephews and a very, very special nurse Pam Neumann who has been part of the Schmitz Family for many years and caregiver Jean Yordy.  He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law Richard and Jean Ruthruff; wife; grandchild Payton Reese Axtell; also his brothers-in-law Rick Cornell and Robert Fall.

     Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.