SCHMITZ, Frederick J. (Fred)

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Frederick J. Schmitz February 24, 1939 - August 30, 2013 Fred Schmitz, born in February, 1939 passed in the early morning hours of August 30, 2013. Fred lived by the motto and advice he often shared: Work hard and play hard; give it all you've got. Fred was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and brother who doted on his family and selflessly helped others. He had a contagious sense of humor that charmed everyone with whom he came in contact. Fred was a mechanical engineer, writer, teacher, gear-head, woodworker, Harley-rider, and world-traveler always willing to share his time and adventures with a smile. Children, animals, neighbors and passers-by were always drawn to Fred; perhaps sensing his inherent kindness and natural ability to connect. Fred always had time to toss a ball, teach a lesson, share a kind word, or lend a helping hand. When his daughters were young, with them he spent countless Saturdays exploring the Sonoran desert 'in search of water' and instilling in them a sense of adventure and love of nature and its endless beauty and bounty. Fred is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Judi; daughters DeAnna Fisher and Kimberly Schmitz; grandsons Jonathan and Brandon Fisher and Grady Kern; sisters Laura Basacchi, Linda Vitali; brother Karl Schmitz; and friends across the world. Countless lives were blessed by Fred's patience, teachings, humor and sense of adventure. He will be dearly missed and long-remembered.