Fred W. Schmitz, 85, passed away after a lingering illness on Sunday afternoon, July 31, 2016, at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park.
Fred William Schmitz was born January 8, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri, the only son and youngest child of Fred McLaughlin Schmitz and the former Mabel Gladys Williar. He grew up in Kansas City and was active in Boy Scouts, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. A 1948 graduate of Southwest High School, it was there he met his future wife, Janet “Boojie” Baker. They were married September 8, 1951 at Visitation Catholic Church in Kansas City. Fred was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Kansas, from which he graduated in 1952 with a degree in Business. His career in sales began with his father in insurance, continued with Proctor & Gamble, and later finished in medical gases and home health care. He retired in 1997. Fred and Boojie and their growing family resided in Prairie Village, Wichita, and just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota; but wherever the house, it was a solid home for the role he served as husband and father with ease and a ready humor. The void he now leaves will be keenly felt by each of their six children, who survive: Cindy (Danny Nordin), Overland Park; Mark (Donna), Columbia, MO; Rob (Carol), Prairie Village; Neal (Debbie), Lumberton, TX; Alice (Tom Unger), Troy, IL; and Ted, Philadelphia, PA. Five grandchildren will also miss their “Grandad”: Joseph and Emily Schmitz; Kurt (fiancé Caitlin), Drew (fiancé Taylor), and Grant Unger. Boojie preceded him in death early last year.
Dad’s interests were closely linked to his family, home and church. He was a wealth of advice and guidance, and the true measure of his value is in the way his influence lives on in the richer lives of those who knew and loved him.
Services will be Thursday morning August 4 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Prairie Village, where the deceased was first a member in 1953, and where he was active in many ways in Church and School activities. Visitation will be at 9:30; Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30. St. Ann’s Catholic Church 7231 Mission Rd. Prairie Village, Kansas 66208. There will be a luncheon following the Mass. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
I knew Fred from his years in medical sales. He was a very kind and generous soul. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
The Forum Senior Living loved Fred & Boojie both during their time here. Fred loved his poker games and buddies. He was so dedicated to his faith, family and friends. This is what made him so loveable. We hope Fred can now Rest In Peace with his beloved Boojie.
To Fred’s family: I met Fred when he was with Baxter Travenol. His office was in the Brookhollow office park and so was mine. We were not competitors and shared patient information occasionally…..back then it was OK to do that. He was a great guy and very professional; he always had a good word and great smile. We lost contact over the years but I have fond memories of Fred. I will keep good thoughts for all of you at this time.
Fred, you are a great model and one that Maxine and I admire for your involvement at St. Ann’s over the years. Your family and friends will miss you but you will always be present to them. You are now with your bride and you are perfectly happy, healthy, and at peace. Welcome to the Kingdom of God!