Archived Obituaries

Floyd J. “Smitty” Schmitz, 77, of Monroe, died peacefully at 3:44 p.m. Thursday at Ebeid Residence, Sylvania. After a courageous battle with cancer. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Rupp Funeral Home, Monroe. He will lie instate Monday from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. The Rev. Gary Tryggestad, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Monroe, with military honors conducted by V.F.W. Post 1138, Monroe. Born February 17, 1932 in Erie, he was the son of Floyd M. and Anna (Karmol) Schmitz. He married Grace Kull May 21, 1955 in Angola, Indiana. They had just celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, July 28, 1952 until July 15, 1954. He was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Korean Service Ribbon with 1 bronze service star. He also served in the Army National Guard for several years. He had worked for C & M Trucking Co. before retiring. He had also worked at several different jobs over the years including Nike Missile Base. He was a 1950 graduate of Monroe High School, a life member of V.F.W. Post 1138, Monroe and had joined Zion Lutheran Church in 2004. He enjoyed old cars, hot rods and motorcycles. He was a member of Monroe Area Street Rods. He is survived by his wife Grace of Monroe; a daughter, Julie (David) Ciacelli of LaSalle; two brothers, Clarence “Larry” (Jeri) Schmitz and Leland “Lee” (Pat) Schmitz both of Monroe. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Joseph and Alan Schmitz and one sister, Angela Diehl- Heinl. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.