Thomas Albert “Tom” Schmitz, 82, of Nauvoo, Illinois, passed away at 11:56 A.M. Tuesday July 10, 2018 at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born March 23, 1936 on the family farm in Sonora Township rural Nauvoo, Illinois the son of Donald and Leonora (White) Schmitz. He was a farmer then enlisted in the United States Navy serving from 1956-1958. Following his honorable discharge he returned home and on May 18, 1958 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Nauvoo he married B. Joanne Repplinger. She preceded him in death in 1981.
SCHMITZSurvivors include his daughter Sandra K. (Chris) Stone of Londondairy, New Hampshire and his son Michael R. Schmitz of Nauvoo. Four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. One brother Philip (Fran) Schmitz of Montrose, Iowa, two sisters: Sharalee (Danny) Baxter of Altamont, Illinois and Barbara Monroe of Springfield, Illinois. Tom is 
also survived by his special friend Betty Smith and her family of Nauvoo and several nieces and nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joanne and brother Donald Schmitz, Jr.
Tom was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Nauvoo. He helped build the Nauvoo Elevator in the early 1960’s. He went on to work for Colusa Elevator Company of Nauvoo in 1962 retiring in 1999. He served on the Nauvoo City Council from 1973 to 1979. He also served on the Nauvoo Fire Department for 33 years. He loved to golf and fish. Tom touched many lives while living in Nauvoo. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Friends may call after 1:00 P.M. Friday at the Christ Lutheran Church in Nauvoo where the family will meet with friends from 4:30 – 7:00 P.M.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday July 14, 2018 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Nauvoo with Pastor Pete Hagglund officiating.
Burial with a flag presentation by the Nauvoo American Legion Post 711 will be in the Nauvoo City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Nauvoo Fire and Rescue.
Schmitz-Banks and Beals Funeral Home of Nauvoo is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sbbfuneralhome.com
