Date of death: 1/26/2016
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1967
William ôBillö Frederick Schmitz, 74, of Akron Iowa, formerly of Elgin, Illinois, entered the gates of heaven on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at a Sioux City Hospital.Visitation with the family will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Carlsen Funeral Home û Schroeder Chapel in Akron, followed immediately by a prayer service conducted by Rev. Stacey Gerhart, chaplain at Unity Point Health-St. LukeÆs. Military honors will be provided by the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron. Bill chose to donate his body to the Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.carlsenfuneralhome.com.Bill was born on October 21, 1941 to Bernard and Teresa (Hermreck) Schmitz in Elgin, Illinois.He studied at St. Meinrad Minor Seminary, St. Meinrad, Indiana from 1955 to 1957 before transferring to St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin. He served as president of his senior class of 1959. He studied at St. JosephÆs College in Rensselear, Indiana, before graduating from Ellis Business College in Elgin, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. His long career in sales and sales management included extensive involvement in the plastics machinery and components industry. He was a member of several professional organizations in that industry.Bill served in the Army National Guard of Illinois from 1964 until 1970. During that time, he received Chicago TribuneÆs outstanding achievement medal for proficient service in the National Guard. He attained veteran status due to being called up for active duty during several civil rights demonstrations.Bill married Julie Lucken on April 27, 1968. They enjoyed living and raising their family in Elgin before retiring to Akron in 2004.Until the very end, BillÆs life reflected his unwavering faith in God and his infinite strength and courage. He also continued to display his love, compassion and concern for others, a keen sense of humor, and a great fondness for conversation.Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Julie; his daughter: Andrea Schmitz of Chandler, Arizona; his son: Eric Schmitz (Spencer Bagley) of Loveland, Colorado; his granddaughter: Julianna Teresa Schmitz; his brother: Peter (Paula) Schmitz of Charlotte, NC; his sisters: Mary Busse of Greenville, SC, Peggy Lullie of Albuquerque, NM, and Joann (Don) Biewer of Evening Shade, AR; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and two nephews, Adam Schmitz and Michael Bean.