A.J. "Sam" Schmitz

A.J. "Sam" Schmitz, 87, of Herkimer, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 24, 2011 at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville. A rosary service was held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 27, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Marysville. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 28, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church with Father Jim Shaughnessy officiating. Vocalists were Ron and Fran Grauer, and the St. Gregory's Choir, accompanied by Bob Welch on the organ. The songs were, "Here I Am Lord", "Amazing Grace", "On Eagles Wings", "How Great Thou Art", and "Song Of Farewell". Pallbearers were Mike Scott, Jeff Scott, Jay Schmitz, Matt Schmitz, Cody Schmitz, and Jacob Felty. Burial was in St. Gregory's Catholic Cemetery, with Military Honors by the Marysville American Legion. Sam was born December 23, 1923 at Herkimer to Dominic and Laura (Schwindamann) Schmitz. He went to grade school in Herkimer and graduated from Marysville High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Topeka and in the Aleutian Islands. After being honorably discharged, he returned to farm. Sam was a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, VFW, American Legion and participated in the American Agriculture Movement. He enjoyed playing baseball, softball, cards and square dancing. He was united in marriage to Edith Griffee on May 8, 1948. She survives. Also surviving include four sons, Ronald Schmitz (Donna), Home, Larry Schmitz, Eddie Schmitz (Joni), Kenny Schmitz, all of Herkimer; two daughters, Linda Scott (Charles), Oketo, and Laura Felty, Marysville; two sisters, Isla Schwarz (Elmer), Home, and Barbara Nordhus, Marysville; three sister-in-laws, Wally Schmitz, Alice Schmitz and Dorothy Griffee, all of Marysville; fourteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Jack, Dominic “Heavy”, Bill and Vere; and two sisters, Anna Ring and Bernice Pacha. Memorials will be designated later and can be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of A.J. "Sam" Schmitz, please visit our flower store.