SCHMITZ

Kenneth B. Schmitz, 87, of Jefferson City, Mo., took his place in Heaven with Jesus when he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Capital Region Medical Center after a short illness. He was born at home on June 25, 1934, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Tobias and Margaret “Motzie” (Schrimpf ) Schmitz. Ken graduated from 8th grade at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Jefferson City, Mo., and then went on to join the order of Oblate Christian Lay Brothers in Illinois, where he learned the profession of cutting hair. Discovering that this was not his true calling, he returned home and met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Stokes. They were united in marriage at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, Mo. on October 6, 1956. Barb preceded him in death on May 8, 2014. The printing trade was his passion, and he started his career at Modern Litho Printing. From there, he worked at Marvin Leonard Printing before partnering to start Jeff City Printing in 1971. In September 1978, he began his own printing business, Show Me Printing Company. He successfully operated that business until his retirement and sale of the company in 2000, and continued working in the printing business until 2012. He also owned Brigitte’s Alteration and Brigitte’s Stitch & Design. Ken was a member of the Jefferson City Cosmopolitan Club and enjoyed having his children and grandchildren as guests on Pancake Day at the Selinger Center. He and his family were members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson City, Mo. for many years before moving to Taos. His wife Barb and he then became active parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos. He served as an usher and communion minister for the parish, as well as assisting his wife with the multiple volunteer committees on which she served. Ken could often be found volunteering at the Samaritan Center. Ken’s life was his wife, to whom he could never say “no," and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. From the early years of their life together, Sundays were reserved for family time at the cabin on the Osage River and later on Twehous Lake at their new home. He started the afternoon by putting the boat in and pulling the grandkids skiing or tubing, and often the evening ended with a bowl of Central Dairy vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup. He loved every minute he could spend with his grandchildren. He enjoyed having a special place to share with his family and friends. He always kept his property in pristine condition from his landscaping to his flowers. He always said that he had the “perfect” life being married to his wife and making memories with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He kept a meticulous calendar and enjoyed Face-Timing all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to wish them a happy birthday on their special day. Whether saying hello or goodbye, his loved ones always received a genuine hug and an infectious smile with deep dimples that lit up the world from their, “sweet lovable, sweet lovable, sweet lovable,” father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Ken enjoyed playing poker, billiards, and blitz with anyone who dared entertain a game with him. He loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. Ken moved to Primrose Retirement Center a couple of years ago. When COVID shut things down, including visitor hours, Ken stepped in to become the Friday night D.J. at Primrose for his fellow residents. He never wavered in his belief and faith in God and never allowed the pandemic to prevent his Sunday worship. Using his resources and technology he was able to live-stream Mass on the big screen for fellow Catholic residents. He further assisted his fellow Catholic residents by distributing Holy Communion brought in from St. Martin Parish, where he had been attending Mass since moving to Primrose. He leaves a legacy of memories and lessons for his family. Ken is survived by his five children: Randy (Donna) Schmitz (Jefferson City), Pam Backers (Lake of the Ozarks), Shaun (Julie) Schmitz (Taos), Toby (Tammy) Schmitz (St. Martins), and Brad (Dana) Schmitz (Westphalia); 13 grandchildren: Travis Backers, Ashley (Justin) Raithel, Derek (Jamie) Schmitz, Emily (Heath) Cobb, Miranda (Kyle) Stevens, Kyla (Christian) Asel, Garrett (Beth) Schmitz, Sabrina (Nick) Frank, Gavin Schmitz, Grant Schmitz, Grayden Schmitz, Kayleen Schmitz, and Nadine Schmitz; and 22 great-grandchildren with one more expected in 2021. He is also survived by one sister: Mary Dee Noonan; one brother: Alfred Schmitz; two brothers-in-law: Bill (Mary Alice) Stokes and Mike Stokes; three sisters-in-law: Mary (Eddie) Eiken, Shirley VanderFeltz, and Margaret Muenks; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years; one great-grandson: Tristan Backers; one brother: Frank Schmitz; two sisters-in-law: Lucille Schmitz and Irma Schmitz; three brothers-in-law: Joe Noonan, Bob VanderFeltz, and Leonard Muenks; two nieces: Kateri Michaelson and Marcia Schweiss; and one nephew: Doug Schmitz. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 1, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a prayer service with Fr. John Schmitz beginning at 3 p.m., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Taos, Mo. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, August 2, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the facebook page of Tyler M. Woods Funeral Director for those unable to attend. www.Facebook.com/TylerMWoodsFuneralDirector Entombment will be private at Resurrection Cemetery. Wearing of a mask is encouraged due the increase in Covid in our area. Arrangements for Mr. Schmitz are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65101. (573) 636-2424. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.WoodsMemorialServices.com