Eugene W. Schmitz Obituary, Age 95, of Tower Hill, has passed away

Publish date: 2024-05-02

Eugene W. Schmitz Obituary, Death – Eugene W. Schmitz, age 95, of Tower Hill, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at his home. Born on September 5, 1928, in Shelby County, IL, Eugene was the son of the late Winand and Ludvina (Nold) Schmitz. He married Jean Swiney on July 7, 1956, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and she preceded him on October 1, 2015. Eugene’s journey through life was marked by dedication, service, and a commitment to family.

After attending Sandy Hill School, he served with honor in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, later participating in the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight—a privilege he cherished. He was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Pana Knights of Columbus, and the Pana VFW Post #4431. Eugene also contributed his time and wisdom to the Tower Hill High School Board of Education for two decades and the Moultry/Shelby FS Board for 11 years. Professionally, Eugene worked at Caterpillar, ran a sawmill for 28 years, and dedicated most of his life to farming.

A man of diverse interests, he collected coins, stamps, and tractors and found joy in woodworking. Eugene’s strong work ethic and commitment to his word made him a respected figure in the community, setting an example for others to follow. Eugene is survived by his children: Barbara Wilson (significant other, John Fitzgerald) of Decatur, John Schmitz of Tower Hill, James Schmitz of Tower Hill, and Paul Schmitz of Shelbyville.  He leaves behind a legacy of love and guidance to his grandchildren: John Wilson, Jeanna-Marie Wilson, Jeremiah Ulmer, Travis (Brooke) Ulmer, Tonya (Mark) Wieneke, Amanda (Keith) Detmer, William Schmitz, Wesley Schmitz, and Sarah Schmitz.

Eugene’s great-grandchildren, Bryson Ulmer, Austin Ulmer, Carter Wieneke, Elizabeth Wieneke, Jack Detmer, Bennett Detmer, and Gabe Detmer, will carry his memory forward. He is also survived by his siblings, Rosemary Huttes of Pana and Leland (Doris) Schmitz of Rosamond. Eugene was preceded in death by his daughters, Carol Ulmer, Maureen Schmitz, and Colleen Schmitz, as well as daughter-in-law Kristine Schmitz, grandson Daniel Schmitz, and siblings Raymond Schmitz, Lester Schmitz, and Clarence Schmitz. A Mass to celebrate Eugene’s life will be held on Thursday, December 28, at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Pana, with Father Joseph Havrilka officiating. Burial with military rites, accorded by the Pana Veterans Honor Guard, will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, December 27, from 6-8 p.m. at McCracken-Dean Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials in Eugene’s honor be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Sacred Heart Catholic School. Contributions will be graciously accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home, entrusted with assisting the family during this time of loss. Eugene W. Schmitz will be remembered as a caring husband, loving father, and a man who selflessly placed others before himself

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