Joseph "Joe" Schmitz

October 21, 1937 - July 29, 2010

Joseph “Joe” Schmitz, 72, of Pana, died Thursday, July 29, 2010 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur. He was born October 21, 1937, in Pana, the son of Eugene Joseph & Thelma M. (Nienstead) Schmitz. Joe graduated from Pana High School and lived in Pana his entire life. He was a superintendent at Illinois Roses, where he had worked from the age of 14 until it closed. He then worked for Oak Terrace until his retirement. Joe enjoyed fishing, cooking, horseracing, and gardening. He was an avid Cardinal fan and loved to watch baseball games. He also had a special cat named Boozie. Joe was a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Pana; Knights of Columbus, Pana; Pana Sportsman’s Club; and past member & president of the Pana Tri-County Fair Board.
Joe married Jeannie Halbrook on April 24, 1958 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Pana. She survives in Pana, along with their children: Kevin Schmitz & wife Carla, Pana, IL; Steve Schmitz, Ocala, FL; Patrick Schmitz & wife Deanna, Watson, IL; Nancy Cravens & husband Allan, Pana, IL; Susan Cooley & friend Terry, Ramsey, IL; & Beth Schmitz, Springfield, IL; 8 grandchildren: Joe, Shawntay, Amber, Kyle, Daniel, Benjamin, Vernon, & Bayli Jo; 5 great grandchildren: Brock, Nicholas, Cameron, Karleigh, & Alexus; brothers & Sisters: Tom Schmitz & wife Sue, Oswego, IL; Jim Schmitz & wife Wendy, Pana, IL; Tim Schmitz, Pana, IL; Gene Schmitz, Pana, IL; Sharon A. Law, Pana, IL & Aurelia (Sister Mary Sharon) Schmitz, St. Louis, MO; and grand dogs: Ruekah, Shylow, & Homer T. He was preceded in death by his father on January 5, 1995; mother on April 26, 1994; & brother, Larry Schmitz.

Funeral Information

Memorial mass will be held on Monday, August 2, 2010 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Pana at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Rodney A. Schwartz officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until service time in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Pana.
Cremation rights were accorded. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Donations Information

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 440, Pana, IL 62557 or donor’s choice.