George William Schmitz

Obituary of George William Schmitz Graveside services with military honors will be held, Wednesday, January 18th at Bethany Memorial Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Bethany Lutheran Church at noon. George passed away in Clackamas, Oregon on January 15th at the age of 88. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed gardening and loved playing card games with family and friends. He enjoyed his retirement traveling in his RV with his wife Joyce. Friends relied on him and his love of tinkering and dabbling in anything automotive and home improvement related and was often found lending them his expertise and time. Those who knew him expected his practical jokes, loved his sense of humor and all of the goodness in his heart to help others. George was born February 5, 1923 in Thomas, Oklahoma to Carl Bernnard and Genevieve Marie Weishauer Schmitz, the third of four sons. Raised in Thomas, Oklahoma he graduated in 1941 from Custer City High School. George served his country during WWII in the United States Army stationed at Ft. Benning in Georgia and was a tank mechanic before his honorable discharge. After the Service he went to California where he worked a short time in the Kaiser Shipyards before moving to St. Helens, Oregon. In St. Helens he answered an ad in the local paper looking for a mechanic. George went to work for Jordan Motors in about 1947 and retiring as General Service Manager in 1984 after 37 years. During his years at Jordan's, George was fondly nicknamed "Mr. Good Wrench". He married Mary Joyce Henderson on August 21, 1950 at the First Christian Church in St. Helens; she went by Joyce and preceded George in death in 1995. From their marriage they had five children. George was well known in the community as a volunteer and community member. In the 1950's he was an active member and one year term president of the St. Helens chapter of the Jaycee's. He served on both the Bethany Lutheran Church and Bethany Memorial Cemetery Boards and was a charter member of the St. Helens Elks Lodge, BPOE #1999 and active with the Eleventh Hour Lodge of Sorrow. George is survived by children and their spouses; Michael W. Schmitz Shelia, of Longview, WA, Jeanne Campos Jose of Nampa, Idaho, Marie Christianson Jim of Apple Valley, Minnesota and George D. Schmitz Kevin of Warren, Oregon and their spouses and partner respectfully. He really enjoyed being around his grand and great grandchildren. He is survived by 12 grandchildren; Cathy, Connie, Michael Jr., Toni, Kori, Tepe, Tona, Xochi, Jennifer, Jason, Jacquelyn and Jamie. There are 15 Great- grandchildren; Megan, Jewel, Brianna, Jordan, John, Brody, Teya, Paris, Kenneth, Grayson, Layne, Kloee, Klyee, Kayla B. and Kayla S. Preceded in death by son, John Schmitz, and brothers; Anthony, Clement and Joseph Schmitz. On-line condolences can be made to the family at; www.columbiafh.com

George William Schmitz

February 5, 1923 - January 15, 2012