Hilary John Schmitz

     Hilary John Schmitz, age 91, of Fowler, MI, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023. 

     A Graveside Service for family and friends will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Fowler, MI, at 11:00 A.M.  on Saturday, November 11, 2023, with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock officiating. For those wishing to process to the cemetery with the family please plan on arriving at Smith Family Funeral Homes-Goerge Chapel Fowler between 10-10:30 A.M.

     Hilary was born to Peter & Catherine (Feldpausch) Schmitz on December 20, 1931, at the homestead in Bengal Township.  Hilary married Marcia Plumstead on April 12, 1958.  He served in the United States Army from 1953-1955 retiring as a corporal.  Hilary farmed and became a journeyman millwright at General Motors for over 30 years, retiring in 1995.   Hilary was a lifelong member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

     He is survived by his wife Marcia Schmitz; son Darryl (Rose) Schmitz; four daughters:  Julie (Steve) Erbe, Diane (Brian) Simon, Denice (Jim) Schultheisis, and Gail (Steve) Lane; 15 grandchildren:  Hilary, Christopher, Greg (Chelsea), Michael (Brittney), Scott (Holly), Jennifer, Tony, and Elizabeth, Eric (Elizabeth), Kurt (Michelle), Kara (Altin), Oriana (Thibauld), Zoe, Hannah, and Quinn; 13 great-grandchildren.  Hilary is also survived by a brother Maurice (Darlene) Schmitz, a sister Eunice (Clare) Pung, and sisters-in-law Fay Schmitz and Marcia Schmitz also many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his twin grandsons:  Alex and Aaron Fedewa, his sisters and brothers:  Freda (Ed) Bauer, Stella (Tom) Kinney, Agnes (Tom) Faivor, Stanley (Pat) Schmitz, Donald (Mary Lou) Schmitz, Richard Schmitz, Justin (Sharon) Schmitz, Eletha Schmitz, and Peter Schmitz.

     Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.