Louis Joseph "Lou" Schmitz

LOUIS JOSEPH SCHMITZ Memorial Mass for Louis Joseph Schmitz will be celebrated Saturday, February 1 at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 28 E. Montezuma, Cortez. A long time resident of Cortez, Lou was born December 13, 1930 in Kirkwood, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis, Mo. He died on December 31, 2013 at his home. Lou was the son of Robert Peter and Theresa Agnes (Geders) Schmitz. Five brothers and two sisters were all raised in a loving, faith filled home. He was active in numerous ministries and grounds maintenance at the church. Lou had various jobs during his forty three years in Cortez. He was Field and Clearance man with Nielsons for the new city sewer project during the 1970's. He did maintenance and sharpened the saws for the Plywood Plant, mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office, and owner/operator of "Kiddie Kare Kollege" a preschool/daycare center. Lastly, when he was supposed to be retired, he opened a home based seasonal service of lawn mower, small engine repair and saw sharpening business. He liked fixing anything especially VW Beetles. He could build, repair, restore anything and was always willing and ready to help others anytime they needed him. Lou was gentle, kind and humble with a servant's heart. He had a great sense of humor and often added quips of humor during his work and will be missed by many. Surviving Lou is his wife of 46 years, Shelley. He is "Pop" to his three step children, Steven Burkart of Cortez, Robert Burkart of Orange, Calif., and Mary (Brad) Eads; and "Poppa" to his two grandsons, Robert and Timothy Eads of Grand Junction, Colo. Siblings are Robert, of Manchester, Mo., Mary Ann (Don) Unnerstall of Union, Mo., Mary Theresa (Jerry) Walker of Marthasville, Mo., Joseph of Creve Couer, Mo., John of Villa Ridge, Mo. and William of Shrewsbury, Mo.; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. Cremation has taken place and interment will be in Villa Ridge, Mo. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lou's name to St. Margaret Mary Church Youth Group or Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Box 740, Cortez. The family thanks you.