John O. Schmitz

John O. Schmitz, 95, Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 29, 1928, in Lafayette, WI the son of William and Margaret (Cunningham) Schmitz. John married Mary Carey in Calamine, WI on April 7, 1951. She passed away in Rockford on June 20, 2022. John worked as an engineer for Sundstrand Corporation for many years. He was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church and a past member of St. Edward Catholic Church. John was an avid Packer fan and a season ticket holder for 32 years. He enjoyed golfing and competed in the Rockford city tournament for many years. He and Mary enjoyed their trips to Ireland.

Survived by his children, Karen (Steve) Hoover, Gregory (Bonnie) Schmitz, Rickie Schmitz, Kim (John) Soderberg, Stephen (Sue) Schmitz, and Rodney (Tracy Wallin) Schmitz; his grandchildren, Jonathan (Inese) Hoover, Adam (Roxanne) Hoover, Eric Hoover, Greg Schmitz, Jr., Chad Schmitz, Todd (Stephanie) Schmitz, Kara (Chris DePaepe) Soderberg, Marissa (Ben) Holmstrom, Jessica (Rob) Fehling, Jake Soderberg, Jordyn and Zachary Schmitz, Kitchrik and Keifer (Alyssa) Schmitz; 15 great-grandchildren; his sisters-in-law, Helen, Marion, and Barb Schmitz; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his loving wife of 71 years, Mary, his daughter, Lisa Blankenship, his grandson, Scott Blankenship, his sisters, Kathleen Nicholson and Janice Pittz; his 6 brothers, Bill, Joe, Harold, Donald, Bernie and Ken Laverne Schmitz.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr. Rockford. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Thursday at the church. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.