Henry A. Schmitz

Henry A. Schmitz Born to eternal life on September 22, 2017 at the age of 92. A mass of Christian burial to celebrate Henry’s life will be held on Thursday, September 28, at 5 PM at Saint Joseph Catholic Church (1619 Washington Street), Grafton, Wisconsin. Visitation at the church will proceed Mass from 3:00-4:45 PM. Father Michael Barrett will be officiating the Mass. A private burial will take place on Friday, September 29, at 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Grafton, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Saint Joseph Catholic Church are appreciated. Henry was born on March 23, 1925 in Dacada, Wisconsin, to Andrew and Mary (Leider) Schmitz. He had nine siblings. He grew up and lived on their family-owned farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a military policeman overseas in Panama. In 1952 Henry married Carol (Croatt) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake Church, Wisconsin. Their marriage was blessed with four children. During the early years of their marriage, he worked on the family farm and also at A.O. Smith in Milwaukee as a steelworker. In 1963 the family moved to Grafton. He was a hardworking man and worked at A. O. Smith until he retired at the age of 62. Henry was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a man of faith and devoted to God. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, playing cards, fishing, and watching sports. He enjoyed his yard, flowers, birds and dogs. Henry had a unique sense of humor that was appreciated by many. He was a caring and generous man to his family, friends and community. He was satisfied with the simple blessings in life. Henry will be greatly missed by those who know and loved him. Henry is survived by his loving wife, Carol (Croatt) Schmitz, of 65 years, and his loving children, Paul (Deb) Schmitz, Nancy (Gene) Chin, Pete (Sharon) Schmitz and Lori (Rick) Rathke. Also his loving grandchildren, Jeffery and Crystal Schmitz; Brian and Lisa Chin; Eric Schmitz and Kaily and Michael Rathke. Further survived by his sister, Mary Jane Fechter and sisters-in-law Bernice Schmitz and Jeanette Schmitz. He was preceded in death by eight siblings.