George E. Schmitz

George E. “Doc” Schmitz (age 97) passed away peacefully on December 4, 2023, at the Guardian Angels Riverview Landing in Otsego, MN where he was a resident for the past year, living close to his son’s family. He was funny, friendly, a loyal Packer and Badger fan, and most of all, a kind man.

Doc was born at home on April 20, 1926, in Grand Chute, WI to George and Jeanette (Anderson) Schmitz. He attended Whispering Pines country school, graduating from Appleton High School in the “Class of 44.”  In July 1944, he was drafted into the Army Air Corp, eventually transferring into the Infantry Services with the 41st Infantry Division. He served in the South Pacific and Japan shortly after the bombing of Hiroshima.

After discharge from the Army in 1946, he returned to Appleton, WI where he met the love of his life, Eleanor “Ellie” Williams. They married on July 24, 1947, raised 3 children, and celebrated 64 years of marriage until her death in 2011.

Doc attended the Wisconsin School of Mines in Platteville, WI, and the Fox Valley Technical College. He was employed by American National Can as an ink room supervisor for 38 years.

Doc and Ellie retired to Moshawquit Lake in Menominee County, WI. They enjoyed socializing, boating, and golfing with members of PROM (permanent residents of Moshawquit). At the lake, Grandpa made sure that his children and grandchildren enjoyed a firework’s show each year on the 4th of July. For 17 years, Doc and Ellie spent the winters at Summer Tree in New Port Richey, FL, enjoying the warm weather with family and friends.

Survivors include his brother, Eugene Schmitz, of Appleton WI; daughter, Cindy (Randy Peelen) Schmitz, of Mount Vernon WA; son, Kurt (Carrie) Schmitz, of Elk River MN; grandchildren, Tyler Peelen, of Seattle WA; Tanner (Kayla) Peelen, of Redmond WA; Gracyn Schmitz and Keller Schmitz, of Elk River MN; great-grandchildren, McKenna and Felix Peelen, of Redmond WA; and nephew, David (Linda) Wehrman.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Schmitz; son, Jeffery Schmitz; brother-in-law, Gene Wehrman; sister-in-law, Eileen Wehrman; niece, Deborah Hafferman; and his parents.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Guardian Angels Riverview Landing for their kind and comforting care.

George’s final resting place will be at Appleton Highland Memorial Mausoleum. Arrangements for a Celebration of Life will be arranged at a later date.

Dare’s Funeral Home  7663-441-1212  www.daresfuneralservice.com

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