Eugene Schmitz

Doniphan resident, Eugene A. Schmitz, 95, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Grand Island, Nebraska.

Rosary will be Sunday, August 27, 2017; 5:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 28, 2017; 10:30 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Father Jeremy Hazuka officiating. Burial with military rites will be Monday, August 28, 2017; 1:30 P.M. at Cedarview Cemetery, Doniphan. Memorials may be given to Hastings Catholic Schools directly for MRC. Visitation will be Sunday, August 27, 2017; 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.

Eugene was born June 17, 1922, in Roseland, Nebraska to John & Mary (Theisen) Schmitz. On August 22, 1942, he married Grace Mays in Filmore County, California; she preceded him in death on January 8, 1994. Eugene graduated from St. Bernards Academy, Nebraska City in 1940. He enlisted in Company A, 134th Infantry, Nebraska Army National Guard on July 13, 1940, in Nebraska City. He was mobilized with the National Guard on December 23, 1940. His service with the 134th Infantry continued in England and the invasion of Europe as a squad leader with Company H, 134th Infantry until battle field commission as Second Lieutenant was received in Germany on November 28, 1944. His service continued as a platoon leader with Company H, 134th Infantry. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in March 1945, in Germany. Following the war service with the U.S. Army Reserve from September 1946 to November 1947. He rejoined the National Guard as Executive Officer, Company G, 134th Infantry, Hastings, Nebraska until September 14, 1952, when appointed commander of the unit which capacity he served until May 23, 1955. During 1953 his command won the Eisenhower Trophy, the Pershing Trophy, and the National Guard State Trophy. From May 1955 to April 1957 he served as S-2, Second Battalion, 134th Infantry. Other assignments included: S-1, Second Battalion, 134th Infantry, Aide-de-Camp to Commanding General, 134th Infantry (Red Bull) Division, 1959-1963, Executive Officer 168th Field Artillery Group, Support Battalion 1966, Executive Officer 67th Support Battalion, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on March 14, 1968 of First Battalion, 135th Infantry headquartered in Omaha. On April 4, 1968, he was assigned as Executive Officer, 67th Infantry.

Eugene was a rural mail carrier for 30 years for the Post Offices in Doniphan and Roseland. He was a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, American Legion Post #300 in Doniphan, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eagles, Disabled American Veterans, Knights of Columbus, National Order of Battle Field Commission, National Order of Purple Heart, life member of 35th Division Association, life member of 134th Infantry Association, and served as State Legion Commander.

His awards include: Bronze Star with V device, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, European Theatre with 4 Campaign Starts, Victory Medal, American Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Occupation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Guard Service Medal, and Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; wife; granddaughter, Tonya (Detamore) Burns of Hastings; all his siblings, Ray Schmitz, Bob Schmitz, Alvina Bourg, Pauline DeMars, Verna Consbruck, Luella Consbruck, twins Maria and Marvin Schmitz, Evelyn and Carl Schmitz, and Rose Willmes Mousel.

SURVIVORS:
Children:
Roger Schmitz - Carthage, TX
Joyce & Jim Fisher - Fayetteville, AR
Joan & Carl Craft - Hastings, NE
Randy & Jean Schmitz - Cardova, TN
Gregory Schmitz & partner Jeff Huyett - Palm Springs, CA
Valerie Schmitz & wife Kimberly Mayzak-Schmitz - Jefferson, GA
Michael & Colleen Schmitz - Phillips, NE
Grandchildren:
17
Great-Grandchildren:
24
Great-Great-Granddaughter:
1