Dennis Wendell Schmitz, 90, of Festus died Dec. 3, 2021, at Crystal Oaks Nursing Home in Festus. Mr. Schmitz retired after 35 years as a salesman for Sears & Roebuck and served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He enjoyed lawn care, spending time outdoors, playing horseshoes and washers and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren playing sports. Born March 21, 1931, in De Soto, he was the son of the late Ferdinand and Lillian (McAnally) Schmitz.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years: Karola (Mark) Schmitz, whom he married March 3, 1955, at the U.S. Army Harvey Barracks Chapel in Kitzingen, Germany.
He is survived by two sons: Wayne (Denise) Schmitz of Atlanta, Ga., and Mark (Lynda) Schmitz of Festus; a daughter: Monika (Dale Dunn) Linderer of Festus; six grandchildren: Kristina, Aaron (Briar), Tyler (Courtney) and Gabrielle Schmitz and Alexandra (Cole Simoncic) and Samantha Linderer; three great-grandchildren: Greyson, Emmett and Olivia Schmitz; and numerous family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Ferd (Teresa) Schmitz; two sisters: Olga Mae (Paul) Brunkhorst and Wanda (Glenn) Willm; and a great-granddaughter: Gabrielle Marie Schmitz.
A memorial gathering will be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Mahn Funeral Home, 515 Collins Drive, in Festus, immediately followed by funeral services officiated by Randy Gray. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the Festus-Crystal City Elks. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home, Festus.