Obituary

Dale Schmitz

On Thursday, February 16^th, 2023, Dale Schmitz of Mission Viejo, CA, a caring father, brother, uncle and friend, was reunited with the love of his life, as he unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and one brother.

There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains. For his surviving two daughters and one son, 4 sisters, 2 brothers, a sister-in-law, other relatives and friends, Dale’s brightness remains in the many treasured memories, cultivated over his 59 years. He left his legacy not for his children but in them. While their lives will never be the same, Dale’s light will continue to shine brightly through them.

Dale was born November 9, 1963 in Pana, Illinois. He was the second youngest of Raymond and Dorothy Schmitz. He married his forever love, Amy in 1986, welcoming the first of three children a few years later. He was diligent and intelligent, obtaining his bachelor’s degree while working and raising his children with Amy. After 17 years of marriage, Amy passed away. Heartbroken and unsure of the future, Dale made sure to live every day with the sole purpose of being the stability in his children’s lives. Making them forget that forever is temporary, they were his everything. He was their everything.

Fiercely loving and loyal, Dale was the epitome of strength for his children and his family, prioritizing them over everything else. Never missing a game or school event, his unwavering support and consistency laid a foundation for their success. He never told them how to live, he lived and showed them how. He had a softness that was comforting, a smile that was contagious, a heart filled with love and understanding, a mind that was deep and soul filled with virtue. His strength and positivity were an inspiration to many. A stranger to none, he treated everyone like family.

A lover of photography, Dale honed the art of observation. He captured not just what he saw, but the way he saw it. He found peace in nature, photographing beautiful landscapes, sunsets and waterfalls. Most recently, he enjoyed hiking with his family in Hawaii, creating wonderful moments that have now become invaluable memories, etched in the soul of those that remain.

There are moments in life; moments when it is realized nothing will ever be the same and time is divided into two parts…before this and after this. After this, Dale’s family will grieve his absence and learn to navigate the unpredictable future without his physical presence. They will carry on his legacy: relishing every moment; capturing life’s beauty; persevering through chaos; and, giving without expectation. They will hold him close within their hearts and think of him often, and it is there that Dale will remain to walk and guide them.

“Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. It simply means we will miss you until we meet again.”

Dale will be laid to rest, alongside Amy, with details of the events to be found below. In lieu of flowers sent for Dale’s ceremony, we graciously ask to provide a donation to the Epilepsy Foundation in his honor. https://www.epilepsy.com/