Reece Elwood Schmitz

1929 - 2022

 

     Reece Elwood Schmitz, 92 of Keokuk, IA died Sunday, October 9, 2022 at the Southeast Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, IA.

     He was born October 25, 1929 in Keokuk, IA the son of Lawrence Gail and Stella Dorthy Starr Schmitz.  He graduated from Hamilton High School with the class of 1947.

     Reece was first united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Forrest Keegan. They were married for sixty years, until her death on November 8, 2009. On July 2, 2011 Reece was united in marriage to Janette Pawson Miller in Keokuk.  She survives.

     Other survivors include two sons, Jerry Schmitz (Debby) of Hamilton, IL and Jim Schmitz (Kay) of Morton, IL, six grandchildren, Siena Rambo (John), Stephanie Schmitz, Justin Schmitz (Mary Scherer), Eric Schmitz (Joanna), Jonathan Schmitz (Mallory) and Patrick Schmitz (Michelle), six great-grandchildren and one on the way.  He is also survived by one step-daughter, Vicki Hart of Mediapolis, IA, two step-sons, Dale Miller (Konnie) of Howard Lake, MN and Timothy Miller (Lynelle) of Westlake Village, CA, seven step-grandchildren, eleven step-great-grandchildren, two brothers, Leith Schmitz (Alice) of Chicago, IL and Ronnie Schmitz (Kay) of Houston, TX and one brother-in-law, Loren Gilliland of Ursa, IL.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, one brother, Loren Schmitz and one sister, Melba Gilliland.

     Reece had been employed by Northwestern Bell for thirty years until his retirement in April of 1980 and he also farmed for many years.

     His faith was an active and vital part of his life.  He had a servant’s heart and served God by serving others.  Reece was never idle and found many ways to serve his community and church.  Many years of faithful dedication to the Golden Point Church where he was active in many areas which included being the bell ringer.  He also participated in the Community Bible Study.

     He was a member of the Hancock County Beef Producers and received Cattleman of the Year in 1992.  He was a longtime volunteer for the American Red Cross and served as the disaster chairman.  Reece had served as an election judge for many years and was the recipient of the Hamilton High School Sports Booster Award in 1999.

     Reece enjoyed raising cattle, playing golf and attending local sporting events.  He was an avid Cubs and Illinois fan.  He loved to travel and took a trip every chance he got.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., October 22, 2022 at Golden Point Christian Church in Hamilton, IL with Pastors Larry Menschel and Daniel Good officiating.  Private family burial will be held in the Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, IL.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shiloh Children’s Ranch.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com