Gregory L. Schmitz

Gregory Lee Schmitz, age 86, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home on Sunday, August 18, 2024, after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was born on October 13, 1937, in Platteville, the son of Leonard and Virginia (Grimm) Schmitz. Greg graduated from Cobb High School in 1955. He furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin Madison where he played baseball. Greg then went on to play for the Chicago White Sox Organization Farm Club. An injury brought him home to finish his degree at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. On September 17, 1960, Greg married Sherri Fritz and they had three daughters: Tammy, Darci, and Jill. On May 24, 1980, he married Rita M. Pluemer. Greg managed many grocery stores for the Kroger Company. He was also a very talented musician and played alto saxophone with Carl Niffenegger, Ed Reuter, and Betty Shields for Betty and the Velvatones. Most recently, he performed with Larry Busch and the Busch Trio. Greg was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church and the B.P. O. Elks Lodge No. 1460 of Platteville. Together with his wife Rita, they owned and operated Homeward Bound, before passing the business on in 2023 to their daughter, Katie. Greg enjoyed his flower garden, bird watching, and cheering on the Chicago White Sox. He had a great sense of humor, had many friends, and was a kind and gentle soul. Greg was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife, Rita; children: Tammy (Bruce) Bradley, Darci (Randy) Even, Jill (Tom) Holtz, Matt (Angie) Schmitz, Katie (Shannon) Miles; 14 grandchildren: Kyndle, Lauren, Sarah, Michael, Ryan, Tyson, Aysha, Brayden, Connor, Jack, Lillie, Charley, Sloane, and Baby Boy Miles on the way; 10 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Kim Erin (Jim) Carpenter, Tyson (Lynda) Schmitz, and Daron (Michelle) Schmitz, and a sister-in-law Judi Schmitz.

In addition to his parents, Greg was preceded in death by his twin brother, Dennis in infancy, his brothers Stuart and Kenric (Rita) Schmitz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father Mark Miller and Msgr. Dan Ganshert officiating. The burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Family and friends may call on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family.