Max B. Schmitz

Max B. Schmitz passed away March 15, 2010 in Oklahoma City. He was born October 5, 1923 in Schulte, KS the son of Theodore and Mathilda Biggs Schmitz. He graduated from Cathedral High School in Wichita, KS. He entered the US Army June 25, 1943 and served tours in England, Germany and France during WWII. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, and European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon and was honorably discharged as a Tech Sergeant April 19, 1946. He married Ruth Thissen on June 18, 1946. Max worked as a representative for Folgers Coffee and Procter and Gamble for 32 years before his retirement in 1988. He was a member of St. Eugene's Parish and was very active in the Knights of Columbus Council 1038. He was State Deputy – District Master of the Fourth Degree as well as held almost all offices in the Council and State. He received the Excalibur Award in 2002 and the Joe Snyder Award in 2005. He received the Council 1038 and State Family of the Year in 2003. Max was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Janis Kay Schmitz; and two sisters, Marie Beat and Leona Baalman. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth; seven children, Gerald Schmitz and wife Ann of Edmond, Pat Schmitz and wife Carrie of OKC, Scott Schmitz and wife Patty of OKC, Judy Cecere of Perrysburg, OH, Dotty Paluska and husband Mike of OKC, Jeannie Blehm and husband Gary of OKC, and Nancy Almaraz and husband Louis of OKC; two brothers, Ted Schmitz and Francis Schmitz; 14 grandchildren, Michael Horton, Mandy Horton, Nick Cecere, Jaclyn Cecere, Chris Paluska, Jeni Yakel, William Blehm, Sandy Williams, James Ford, Courtney Ford, Tim Schmitz, Kacie Schmitz, Jim Schmitz, and Brooke Schmitz; and 9 great grandchildren; and very special family friend for 40 years, Ernie Chastain.