- Darwin Lawrence Schmalz, 85, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning at his home in Freedom, WI. In the end, cancer wore down his body, but never his sharp mind and strong spirit. Darwin was born July 18th, 1929 in Appleton, WI a son to Ralph and Marie (Heinz) Schmalz. He grew up in the Neenah/Menasha area and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1947. The following year he married the love of his life, Joan Catherine Evers from Little Chute on May 29, 1948 at St. John's Catholic Church in Little Chute. The young couple had 7 children, which Darwin worked hard to provide for and was so very proud of. He took fathering his children seriously and he taught them a strong work ethic and deep morals not only with his words but by his actions. Darwin did whatever he could to provide for his family. He started out as a salesman, selling welders, watches, and he even raised chickens for a time. Darwin worked at Appleton Coated and developed friendships and alliances that lasted decades from his time there. In 1955 he began D.L. Schmalz Landscaping. He was the sole owner/operator of this business for 36 years, putting in long hours and much hard work. Darwin was a shrewd and wise businessman and investor. He could be strict and even stubborn in his ways, but always honest and fair. During the winter, Darwin would sell Christmas trees with his good friend. He would also ice fish to supplement the food and stock the freezer for his family. After retirement in 1991, his son Mike built them their retirement home in Freedom. It was a property that offered refuge to wildlife and the birds, which he loved to feed and watch. Darwin and Joan passed their early retirement years by traveling and taking cruises to foreign countries. When home they enjoyed their membership at Fox Valley Golf Course where they spent many hours on the greens. Weekends were spent at their cottage on Lake Winnebago. Fishing, swimming, entertaining and of course, lots of card playing with friends filled the days. Darwin loved fishing. He was an avid fisherman. He also loved playing cards and his sharp, quick mind made him a skilled player. He took many trips to Canada with good friends to indulge both of his favorite hobbies. His other pastime that brought joy and sometimes frustration was his unwavering devotion to his beloved Bears football team.
Darwin and Joan were charter members of Fox Valley Christian Fellowship and faithfully attended and supported the church for 19 years. Darwin was a devout prayer warrior. He began each day with his morning devotions and Bible reading. His love for God softened the tough demeanor from his younger days and he never passed up an opportunity to hug the ladies and his friends. He will be remembered for his hugs.
Darwin is survived by six of his children: Mark (Sue) Schmalz, Debbie (Dave) Maier, Cheri (Glen) Sprangers, Paula (Dave) Mayer, Penny (significant other Keith)Schmalz, Scott (Carla) Schmalz, Julie Jo (significant other Bryan)Schmalz; 16 grandchildren: Sara (Rich) Hariman, Eric Schmalz, Jennie (Tony) Burhans, Jesse (significant other Megan) Maier, Mandi (Jeremy) Koskey, Melissa (Bubba) Sandry, Becki (Mike) DeCoster, Ryan (significant other Stacy) Sprangers, Isaac and Alexis Mayer, Levi (Abby) Schmalz, Luke (Crystal) Schmalz, Brooke (Fritz) Croy, Sam, Lexi, Chelsea Schmalz; and 8 great-grandchildren and by in-laws: Clancy Braun, Katie DeWitt and Theresa Martzahl
In addition to his parents, Darwin was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan and his son Michael John; his sister Lynn Braun, brother Gene Schmalz, brothers-in-law: Frank, Clete, Marvin and Jim Evers and sisters-in-law: Eileen Parmenter and Marge Fuzzard.
A funeral service for Darwin will be held at Fox Valley Christian Fellowship, 1200 West Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI on Monday June 1st, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for Darwin will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Darwin will be laid to rest beside his love and wife at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in the name of Darwin Schmalz to a charity for the hungry and homeless in our area. Boettcher Family Funeral Home, Kaukauna is assisting the family. www.boettcherfamilyfuneral.com 766-2099
As Darwin would say "Go Bears"
Darwin's family wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to Affinity Visiting Nurses Hospice Services, especially Ellen and Laurie. Also to Darwin's nurse Michelle. The gentle care of you ladies helped ease the time of his passing
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1929 - 2015 (85 years)
Obituary
