John H. Schmitz

November 12, 1930 - March 3, 2025

John Henry Schmitz, born November 12, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away March 3rd peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family. He was the beloved only son of the late Walter and Margaret (Eichten) Schmitz, who emigrated to this country to give their children the opportunity for a better life. John was the devoted husband of his beloved Sara Jean (Crivello), with whom he shared 73 wonderful years of marriage. John was a man who fiercely believed in God, country and family. A lifelong Catholic, he was an active member of his church. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, primarily in Japan. John adored his wife and was the proud father of seven children with her:  John (Jamie) Schmitz of West Chicago, IL, Susan Van Marter of Elmhurst, IL, Margaret (Gary Nutting) of Monterey, TN, Kathryn (Joseph Sheehan) of Elburn, IL, Mariann (James Bostian) of North Aurora, IL, James (Donna) Schmitz of Appleton, WI, and Jacqueline (Jim Kilcran) of St. Charles, IL. He was the loving grandfather of 21 grandchildren:  Daniel (Megan), Laura (Joseph Gaydaychuk), Jennifer (Steven Fernandes), and John David (Courtney) Schmitz, Rebecca (Andrew Rutkoski),  Jessica, Anders, Eugene, and Jack Van Marter, Christopher (Shelby), and Michael Nutting, Natalie, Sara, and Audrey (Perrone) Sheehan, Nathan (Billie Jo), and Nicole (Kurt Bloemer) Bougie, Alexandra, Samantha, and Maxell Schmitz, and Sophia (Dylan Ward), and James Kilcran. Additionally, John leaves behind 21 great-grandchildren:  Daiveny and Lochner Schmitz, Hendrix, Zayne, and Raina Gaydaychuk, Finley and Oliver Fernandes, Matthew and Elle-Marie Kelly, Mabel and Andrew Rutkoski, Vincent and Jason Van Marter, Jamison and River Nutting, Salvatore Perrone, Will, Hazel, and Alec Bougie, and Pipa and Crew Bloemer. John was preceded in death by his two sisters, Catherine (Austin)  McDowell and Barbara (Paul) Mathiowetz, as well as his grandchildren Jessica Van Marter and Michael Nutting. He leaves behind many dear in-laws, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends who will forever cherish his memory. John had a dynamic business career. He started his career as a Certified Public Accountant with the (then) firm of Ernst & Ernst. He eventually left public accounting to begin the next phase of his career as an accomplished business executive. He moved the family from Wisconsin to Illinois when he became a Group Vice President for Alberto Culver Company. He finished his career as an Executive Vice President for Hollister Incorporated, where he assumed control of international manufacturing, marketing and distribution.  Additionally, he founded with his son John M. Schmitz, Aberdeen Technologies, Inc., a medical injection molding company. John’s legacy of faith, leadership, dedication, and service will be fondly remembered.Guest BookShareEmailPrint