David John Schmitz

David John Schmitz, 65, of Fond du Lac died Friday, November 9, 2012 at Grancare following a long battle with Huntington Disease. He was born September 21, 1947, the son of Raymond and Delphine (Malson) Schmitz. On June 6, 1970 he married Jo Ann Pankratz at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fond du Lac.

Mr. Schmitz is survived by his wife and four children: David G. (significant other, Kimmie), Dominic J. (Amanda), Tristina J. (Anthony Kaspar), and Brian N., all of Fond du Lac. He is also survived by grandchildren Sommer Schmitz, Julia Schmitz, Pierce Neighbor, Kiegan Kaspar, Grant Schmitz and Leah Schmitz. Other survivors include a former daughter-in-law, Denice Schmitz; his mother-in-law, Jane Pankratz; his brother-in-law, Robert (Susan) Pankratz; aunts, Rosella Jagdfeld, Phyllis Erickson, Joan Malson; nieces, a nephew and many cousins and supportive friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; twin brothers, Robert and Richard; and a niece, Carly Pankratz.

Mr. Schmitz attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and St. Mary’s Springs High School, graduating in 1965. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He graduated from the Fond du Lac Technical Institute, now Moraine Park Technical College, in 1968. In 1987 he received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Marian College, now Marian University, as a member of the first adult degree completion program. He was employed in various positions at Giddings & Lewis Machine Tool Company in Fond du Lac from 1968 to 1998.

A member of Holy Family Catholic Community in Fond du Lac, he served on the St. Patrick’s Parish Council, was an active member of Fond du Lac Marriage Encounter and with his wife did engage enrichment and marriage preparation workshops for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He also presented workshops at St. Lawrence Seminary and was involved in Fond du Lac’s Loaves and Fishes program.

Mr. Schmitz was a past grand knight of Fond du Lac Knights of Columbus Council #664. He was a life time member of the Ripon Gun Club especially enjoying the Cowboy Action Shooting program where his alias was “Uncle Wiggly.”

Visitation:  Dave’s family will receive relatives and friends at the Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St., Fond du Lac, on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM.  There is no visitation on Wednesday morning.

Services:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 14, at 9:30 a.m. in Dorcas Chapel on the Marian University Campus with Father Brian Braun, Capuchin officiating. Cremation will follow.

Mr. Schmitz requested that if individuals wish to do so memorials may be made to Marian University, the Safe Shooting Education Foundation of the Ripon Gun Club or St. Lawrence Seminary.

The family is grateful to the staff of Grancare for the excellent and thoughtful care they gave to Dave for many years.

Zacherl Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.  www.zacherlfuneralhome.com