Frank E. Schmitz

March 9, 1927 - December 31, 2020

Frank E. Schmitz, 93, of Ashkum passed away on December 31, 2020 at his home. He was born March 9, 1927 in La Salle, the son of Joseph Potokar and Anna J. (Jurick) Potokar Schmitz and they preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his adoptive father, Charles Schmitz; two brothers, Joe and George; two sisters, Ann and Therese; and one daughter, Melissa. He married Donna Hull Grammer on August 7, 1974 in Watseka and she survives in Ashkum. He is also survived by three sons, Gary (Kristine) Schmitz of Kentucky, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Schmitz of Bourbonnais and Jay (Michelle) Schmitz; one daughter, Tina Bailey of Temple, TX; one step-son, Scott Grammer of Kentucky; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Dick Daniel of Seattle, WA. Mr. Schmitz was a member of the Ashkum United Methodist Church, where he was the church janitor for 25 years and went on mission trips to Mexico. Frank served in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. He worked at Kroehler as an engineer at Plant 3 for 33 years and later was the plant manager at Coils Inc. in Sheldon. Frank was a bus driver for Special Education (ISEA) and loved camping, fishing, geocaching, golfing, and his family. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the Ashkum Cemetery with Amy Sides officiating. Military graveside rites will be by the Central VFW Post #2131. Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or family’s wishes. Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Please share a memory of Frank at knappfuneralhomes.com.