Donald J. Schmitz

Donald J. Schmitz, 77, of Merriam, Kansas, passed away, Sunday, October 9, 2011, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

Don was born in Kansas City, Kansas. He was a veteran of the US Army. He worked as a tool and die maker for Automatic Systems and retired in 1995. He was a member of the Millright and Machinery Erectors Local 1529 and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Don is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Schmitz; a son, Dan Schmitz, Raymore, Missouri; a daughter, Donna Langer, Kansas City, Kansas; sisters, Rosalie Goebel, Kansas City, Kansas, Sylvia Stegman, Lancaster, California, Judy Leihsing, Kansas City, Kansas, and Valerie Soptick, Kansas City, Kansas and three grandchildren, Audrie Schmitz, John Langer and Emma Langer. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Katie and Natalie Schmitz.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 13, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee, where a Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, Octaober 14, 2011, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family suggests contributions to:

St. Joseph Catholic Church

5901 Flint

Shawnee, Kansas 66203

or

Children's Mercy Hospital

2401 Gillham Road

Kansas City, Missouri 64108