November 14, 2024

Linn County News

Published November 20, 2024

Charles Schmitz, age 76, of rural Tonganoxie, Kan., and previously of Bonner Springs, Kan., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the Bonner Springs Church of the Nazarene. His family will greet friends and family at a gathering following the service also at the Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Bonner Springs Church of the Nazarene.

Charles was born on July 21, 1948, in Mound City and was one of four children born to Bill and Ruby (Croan) Schmitz. He grew up near Mound City and graduated from Mound City High School in the Class of 1966. Charles then attended Pittsburg State University and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelors in Accounting. After being drafted into the US Navy in 1970, Charles started his 20 years of serving in the United States Navy on the USS John. F, Kennedy Air Craft Carrier during his active-duty time, as well as, several other carriers during his Active Navy Reserve years. During his time working as a Computer Program at Cooper Communities in Bella Vista, Ark., Charles met Carol Phillips. On Aug. 30, 1980, in Clifty, Ark., Charles married the love of his life, Carol, and together they followed his career of being a computer programmer in the Oil Industry, living in Oklahoma and Louisiana before settling in Bonner Springs where they raised their two daughters. After 12 years, Charles retired from working at the Training Management System Division of the U.S. Army in 2019. He and Carol have been members of the Bonner Springs Church of the Nazarene since 1984, and Charles was also a lifetime member of the Tonganoxie VFW. He enjoyed playing bridge, hunting and fishing, anything outdoors, as long as it was with his friends and family.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Ruby. Survivors include his wife Carol Schmitz of the home; two daughters: Jennifer Schmitz of Pittsburg, Kan., Rachel Reynolds and husband Colby of Tonganoxie, Kan.; three grandchildren: Curtis, Charlie and Benjamin; siblings Larry Schmitz of Mound City, Kan., Dale Schmitz and wife Sharon of Springfield, Mo., Connie Villers and husband Lynn of Pleasanton, Kan., as well as several extended family and friends.