Richard "Brooks"Schmitz

Richard Michael "Brooks" Schmitz, of Fowler, MI died Friday, July 18, 2014 at the age of 80. Born September 28, 1933 in Bengal Township, MI, Richard was the son of Peter and Catherine (Feldpausch) Schmitz. He served in the US Army and was a member of VFW Post #3733. Richard was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler and the Knights of Columbus. He owned and operated Schmitz Service/Party Store & Car Wash. He was a member of the Dallas Township Fire Department for 37 years. He was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame as part of Fowler's 1952 championship boys basketball team. On October 13, 1962, Richard married Fay Myers Schmitz and she survives him.

Also surviving are his children; Dean (Cindy) Schmitz of Fowler, Chris Schmitz of Fowler, Jimmy (Bev) Schmitz of Pewamo, Kathy Jo (Jeremy) Boak of Fowler; grandchildren, Dylan, Cassie, Kaitlyn, Holly, Brady, Kelsey, Trevor, Zachary, and Cameron Schmitz, and Savannah and Charlie Boak; siblings, Frieda Bauer, Stella (Tom) Kinney, Donald (Mary Lou) Schmitz, Hilary (Marcia) Schmitz, Justin (Sharon) Schmitz, Eunice (Clare) Pung, Pete (Marcia) Schmitz, Maurice (Darlene) Schmitz, many nieces and nephews and members of the Herman and Mira Myers family. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Agnes (Tom) Faivor and Eletha Schmitz; one brother, Stanley Schmitz, and Godson Joe Schmitz.

Dad touched the lives of many people. He led by example. He was humble and hardworking, a jack of all trades and a master of many. Dad preferred to give attention rather than receive it. He was quick with a joke or to lend a helping hand to someone in need. He loved a good meal, loved to dance and was always singing. He was known as "Grandpa" to many kids, not just his own. He loved and adored his grandchildren more than anything and they will miss him immensely. Of all things Dad has given to his family in friends, his faith in God has always been first and foremost.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 545 N. Maple St., Fowler with Fr. Dennis Howard and Fr. William Koenigsknecht concelebrating. Burial will follow at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 PM Sunday, July 20 and Monday, July 21 at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia, Fowler. Scriptural rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 PM Sunday and 3 PM Monday. A Vigil Service will be prayed at 8 PM Monday. Please bring your red or blue hankie to services as a way to honor Dad. Contributions may be made to the charity of Richard's family's choice.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.