Frederick Anthony Schmitz

Frederick Anthony Schmitz, 92, of Bluffton, South Carolina, departed this life on November 21, 2024. Fred came into this world on January 18, 1932, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Fred and Adelma(Pies)Schmitz, and was affectionately called Bud by his family. He attended Little Flower grade school in Mt Airy and graduated from Roger Bacon High School. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War, staying along the Atlantic seaboard and serving as a print technician for maps and photography. He was incredibly proud of his military service, as was his family.

Fred married Merle Wintzinger in 1956, and they shared 20 years together raising 5 children that he loved deeply and lit up whenever he saw them or heard their voice on a call. That love extended to his nieces and nephews, and the grandchildren that would follow. He enjoyed time spent with his family immensely.

He worked as a lithographer for many years in Cincinnati, a career he loved, at one time owning his own business with his brother, Norb. Upon moving to Rose Hill in Bluffton in 1985, he continued as a lithographer with Kennickell Printing Company in Savannah, GA, while simultaneously starting another career as a property manager and real estate broker. Avalon Rentals and Sales specialized in renting villas to vacationers on Hilton Head Island, and this was probably his favorite career as he loved meeting and talking to people and thought of Hilton Head as paradise. He treasured the friendships with clients and property owners he developed over 35 years.

Fred enjoyed golfing most of his life and played softball for the Old Timer’s league at St Al’s, the family’s school and parish church. He loved photography and combining that with his fondness for travel. He shared a passion with his mother for growing prize-winning Heirloom roses, which he had to relinquish when he moved to the low country golf course and had to share his garden with herds of deer. Fred’s favorite hobby as a kid and later in life was building model airplanes. During World War II, he was proud of helping the war effort as the War Department sent model kits to kids to build and return them to train the service members on different types of planes. In the last years of his life, he found new joy building planes again and would show everyone his progress that dared to ask about his hobby.

All through his life Fred was a huge Reds fan, and we have fond memories of listening to games on the radio out on the patio while he tended to his roses. Also, on that patio, we will never forget him grilling by starting the grill with a burst of fire fueled by gasoline, and us joking about the Exxon seasoning on our steaks, burgers and brats.

Of all his passions, his devotion to his Catholic faith was the most consistent in Fred’s life. He was a lifelong server and usher at mass, and a founding member of the St Gregory the Great Knights of Columbus chapter and served for many years as the treasurer and member of the Fourth Degree. Praying the rosary brought him immeasurable peace until the final hours of his life. Among his favorite places to travel was Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina which he visited several times, as well as Fatima in Portugal, both being shrines where the Blessed Virgin Mary was known to have appeared.

Fred was preceded in death by his loving parents, Fred and Adelma Schmitz, sister, Mary Schmitz Bosse, brother, Norbert Schmitz, and beloved son, Kevin Michael Schmitz. Surviving to carry on his legacy are his brother, Larry Schmitz; children Stephen(Linda Zimmermann) Schmitz, Greg(Tonya) Schmitz, Dawn(Rick) Saalfeld, and Christa(Kent) Lineberger; grandchildren Abigail Schmitz, Zac Schmitz, Samantha(Jim)Hinkley, Kevin Schmitz, Deanna Saalfeld, Chandler Saalfeld, Alex Saalfeld, Miles Lineberger, and Madeline Lineberger; great grandson Anthony Vancepreghy; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Fred's life will begin with a visitation on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00AM until 10:45 AM at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 31 Saint Gregory Drive, Bluffton, South Carolina 29909. Mass will follow at 11:00 AM.

A second celebration will be held on Friday, December 13, at Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Church, 4366 Bridgetown Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45211, with visitation at 9:30AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30. A burial with full military honors will follow a procession to the church cemetery.

Our family would like to express our deep appreciation for all the support and loving care Fred received over the last 4 years through Amedysis Home Health Care, Agape Hospice and Benton House of Bluffton. It was truly a blessing to have such a dedicated team of nurses and caregivers assist us in providing him with such dignity these last few months of his life, especially Renee, Jackie, Glenda, Shakenia, Eli, Joey, Ted, and Jody that showered him with love and attention. Memorials may be made in his honor to Agape Care South Carolina, 75A Towne Dr., Suite B, Bluffton, SC 29910, http://agapecaregroup.com/SC or the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.

Agape Care South Carolina
Web: http://agapecaregroup.com/SC

Alzheimer's Association
Web: https://www.alz.org/donate