Douglas “Doug” Keith Schmitz, age 73, passed away surrounded by family and his loving wife, Thursday February 18th, 2016 in Helena, Montana due to complications from Diabetes.
Doug was born December 6th,1942 in Sioux City, Iowa to Warren Keith and Edna Arlene Schmitz (Schmoll). He was the first of three children.
His family moved to Claremont, Minnesota when he was 6 years old and he grew up in Minnesota. He graduated high school in 1961 and joined the Navy. While in the Navy he traveled the world, Hawaii, Guam, Hong Kong, Europe and 2.5 years in Italy. One of his biggest highlights from the Navy include being aboard the USS Kearsarge and picking up Astronaut Wally Schirra from the Pacific Ocean in October 1962. He was honorably discharged in 1968 after 7.5 years of service.
Doug met his wife Jean and they were married August 2nd, 1969. They lived in San Leandro, California where he worked as a loan officer. Doug enjoyed camping, hunting, and fly fishing. He was an avid sports enthusiast attending the first and the 1977 Super Bowls, and the 1974 World Series. After the birth of their first son Eric, the family moved to Jefferson City, Montana. Two more children Michele and Allen soon joined them.
In Montana Doug had his own logging business before being elected for 3 terms on the Jefferson High School Board. He was the Jefferson County Commissioner 1982-1988. He then worked as a Budget Analyst for the Governor’s Office for 16 years until his retirement in 2005.
Doug was an avid fisherman, teaching all his kids and friends how to fly-fish. He loved camping, traveling, and the company of his dogs. He was known to be a good listener and confidant, and was active in his church. Some of his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, notably his granddaughter Hannah. He enjoyed playing card games especially cribbage and pinochle. He was a true patriot and loved his country.
Doug is survived by his wife Jean, his mother Arlene Schmoll, his two sisters Karen Schmaus, and Marilyn (Ed) Schaffer. His three kids, Eric Schmitz, Michele (Tim) Ewing, and Allen (Amanda) Schmitz. He as two grandchildren Hannah and Perrin, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. LaClair and the nurses at St Peters dialysis unit especially Alice Luehr who was always there when needed.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 26th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A memorial service celebrating Doug’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 27th at Friendship Baptist Church, 5 Friendship Lane in Clancy. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social center church.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 26, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Saturday February 27, 2016
Friendship Baptist Church
5 Friendship Lane
Clancy, Montana 59634
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 26, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Saturday February 27, 2016
Friendship Baptist Church
5 Friendship Lane
Clancy, Montana 59634
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Darlene Abeyta and Dennis Abeyta says
We are sure sorry for your loss. May God’s peace be with you. Remember all the memories. God Bless
Pat and Amy Sassano and family says
Jean – Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Doug will be missed!
ellie hardy says
Dear Jean and family,
My sympathy for your loss. My prayers are with you. Ellie
Mike Burke says
Jean and family,
Sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure knowing and working with Doug.
Glen Cuchine says
Jean and family, my thoughts and prayers are joined with yours at this time. I hope your many happy memories will comfort you during this time of loss.
Joe Williams says
Doug always had me laughing until I’d nearly cry. He was an expert at combining wry humor and sarcasm combined with an effective delivery. Every memory I have of Doug ends with both of us laughing fit to bust. You felt better just being around him; that’s the mark of a truly fine man. My heartfelt condolences on the loss of a happy warrior.
George Harris says
George Harris
I always enjoyed working with Doug. He would joke that he did not do e-mails or SABHRS.
He was a fine ally to the Department of Livestock, personable and always willing to help. He would check in and see how we were doing with the BCD Blues. Doug will be missed. God bless – life is short we shall all see him again on the other side. Our prayers are with Jean and the family.
Jessie (Work) Lesofski says
I am sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. He was a truely good man. My father’s highest praise for anyone was that they were ‘a good neighbor” and I can’t count the number of times Pop said that about Doug and Jean. You have my most sincere sympathy.
Harry & Donna Dietz says
The world lost a fine man when Doug went home. We will miss his happy smile and uplifting words greatly. As a neighbor you couldn’t ask for better. We moved to Jefferson City in April of 2007. That summer a My husband was building a garage. We met Doug when he showed up in our yard saying “Hi neighbor; need some help with your garage?” We are sorry for your loss Jean and family, and our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Becky Shaw says
I was saddened when I read that Doug passed away. I first met and later worked with Doug after he was elected to serve as Jefferson County Commissioner. As I recall, Doug was progressive in that he favored change and innovation in an effort to make county government more efficient. He also had a delightful sense of humor. Jean, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
Amy Neihart says
I loved when I saw Doug on my schedule at work. He always had a smile on his face and was so kind. Our office will miss him. So sorry for your loss Jean. He was sure special!
Jean Schmitz says
I appreciate everyone taking the time to share a memory of Doug and express your condolences, it means a lot to me and our family
Lynn Guay says
Jean, my sympathy to you and your children for your loss. Please know that you all are in my prayers.
John Patrick says
Doug was my office “neighbor” for several years at the Capitol. We shared thousands of hours at work and nearly that many pots of coffee! Doug was a very interesting and interested man. We had a few spirited debates and many more respectful discussions. I last saw him at St. Peter’s a few years ago and I was on my way to a meeting so had little time to visit. My regret. Best wishes and great memories to his family and friends!
Warren Pettis says
I have many memories of Doug from our High School years at the Southern School of Agriculture in Waseca, MN. Doug and I were in sports including football and basketball. We had a good understanding of each others talents in the games and worked well together. Doug had many friends in and out of school. He was great to be around and we had a few card games in between school, which we both enjoyed. MY sympathy for your loss goes out to the family.
Duane Behrens says
Jean and family, sorry for your loss. I knew him as Keith in High School. Enjoyed the time spent with him especially playing basketball. I’m sure he will be greatly missed.
Marlene (Thompson) Fritz says
I graduated from the Southern School of Agriculture in Waseca, MN with Doug (Keith). As a friend and cheerleader I remember cheering him on in sports, and sharing fun times with mutual friends. He was a serious guy in so many ways, yet so much fun. My sympathy to you Jean, to his children, his extended family and all who knew him.
May memories and the love of God be a comfort. Marlene (Thompson) Fritz
Tish Thomas says
Yes, my husband was the one who introduced Doug to Jean. So glad we were responsible to be a part of that beautiful union. It’s with sadness we have to say goodbye to a good friend, but our hearts will always be filled with fond memories of our friendship. Thoughts and prayers to Jean and family.