James E. Schmidtkunz
April 22, 1949 - February 12, 2015
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James E. Schmidtkunz
April 22, 1949 - February 12, 2015
Obituary
Schmidtkunz, James Edward
Jim passed peacefully into eternal life on Feb. 12, 2015 following a long illness. Jim was born April 22, 1949, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Donald and Florence Schmidtkunz. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Habeck, who lovingly cared for him in his last months; sons Christopher and Michael; daughter Jeanne (Thomas) and grand-daughter Ella; brothers Thomas (Virginia) and William (Charlene); and sisters, Barbara and Kathryn. Uncle to Hattie Marie.
A graduate of Pius XI High School in Milwaukee and Marquette University Navy ROTC program, Jim served his country during the Vietnam War as Lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge from the Navy, he worked for 40 years in the industrial chemical industry. His strong work ethic and his friendly & dedicated personality made him a valuable manager & mentor.
Jim was extremely committed to his parish community, especially the RCIA program and Catholic Men’s Fellowship. His were the unseen hands always helping behind the scenes. Jim had a great optimism for life and a brightness of spirit that even his illness could not suppress. He loved his family and was a loyal Chicago Bears fan.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22, 7 – 9 pm, at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Pkwy in Laguna Hills. The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, Feb. 23, at 11:00 am, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 5101 Alton Pkwy in Irvine. Reception will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. John Neumann Charities Outreach.
Special thanks to Vitas Hospice for their compassionate care.
8 responses to James E. Schmidtkunz
Dave Woelfel says:
February 19, 2015
Jim was simply a very kind and gentle soul. His deep baritone laugh could fill any room. Never one to brag, he was usually the smartest guy in the room.
I think the world is a little sadder place without Jim in it. And although we did not see him as much as we would have liked, we will always miss him.
With sincerest sympathy and love to the Schmidtkunz family,
Dave and Joy Woelfel
Ralph Platz says:
February 19, 2015
Jim was one of the best RCIA teachers whom I have observed. A man of sincere faith and compassion who expressed the truths of the Christian Tradition with clarity and conviction. He was an inspiration and an example to all who heard him teach. We will all miss him severely, even as we know that Christ welcomes him into the fullness of eternal life.
/Ralph Platz
Tom Schmidtkunz says:
February 19, 2015
Thank you, dear brother Jim, for all your contributions to our lives, great and small.
Your humor, joy, and zest for life will be missed. You found a way to use your illness to step away from the concerns of the world, and towards an even stronger focus on God. Marge, thank you for walking the last few miles of life with Jim, and providing the love and support he needed. One of my new goals in life is to try to be a little bit more like you, Jim. With love, your brother Tom.
Bill Schmidtkunz says:
February 20, 2015
Brother
Grey hair and grey cane,
fumbling for the latch on a door,
the Giant cries into my open arms.
Weary night we sit
lit by patio candles,
the heat of the pain behind us for now.
Where we rest,
Where we recover,
Where we remember.
I wrote this poem regarding Jim after returning to Alaska from our final visit in October.
Bill Schmidtkunz
Karen Wirth says:
February 24, 2015
Jim was smart, kind, thoughtful and one of the leaders of the pack of the big Woelfel family of cousins. Your poem is lovely, Bill.
Tom, Barb, Bill, and Kate, my heart goes out to you.
Karen Wirth