Bernard Joseph Schmitz

Bernard Joseph Schmitz, 87, of Tiffin, died Sunday, December 23, 2018, at Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo.

Bernard was born October 25, 1931, in Seneca County to Edward and Cecelia (Depinet) Schmitz, and grew up on his grandparents' farm in Old Fort. He married Lillian de Jonge April 15, 1950, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, and they proudly built a home in Tiffin in 1954, where they raised their five children and continued to live in that home for the remainder of his life.  Lillian continues to live in Tiffin.

Other survivors include two daughters, Colette (Harry) Scolten of Novi, Michigan and Diana Schmitz of Oregon, Ohio; two sons, Daniel (Patti) Schmitz of Tiffin, and Timothy (Pam) Schmitz of Fostoria; six grandchildren, Nathaniel Forney, Nicholas Forney, Jennifer Bates, Jason Schmitz, Tyler Schmitz, and Carys Fitzgerald; and twelve great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Catherine Munson, a grandson, Troy Schmitz, and a sister Mary Ellen Hoepf.  Bernard will also be remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Bernard was a 1949 graduate of Old Fort High School. He was a dedicated Norfolk and Southern (formerly Nickel Plate and Norfolk and Western) Railroad employee, and he enjoyed that "iron horse" environment for 42 years, but he always remained a farmer at heart with a love for the outdoors.  His congenial teasing with a smile, exceptional euchre abilities and rubber band gun sharp shooting skills were only exceeded by his renowned mechanical aptitude for repairing anything.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Funeral Mass will be 10 am Saturday, January 12, 2019, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating.  There will be no visitation.

Memorials contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

The Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883, 419-447-3113, is handling arrangements.

For directions, out-of-town flower orders, or to offer condolences to the family, go to: www.traunerofuneralhome.com