Obit: Schmitz, Joshua Mark (1985 - 2006)
Contact:  Shari Hahn
Email: steppinwest@elknet.net

Surnames: Schmitz, Gilles, Strey, Motion, Colby, Heier, Wolf, Bennett

----Sources: Marshfield News-Herald, January 3, 2007

Joshua Mark Schmitz

LOYAL -- Joshua Mark Schmitz was born on Jan. 16, 1985, in Marshfield, the son of Mark and Kelly (Gilles) Schmitz. He attended St. Anthony's Catholic School and graduted from Loyal High School in 2003.

Josh enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Sept. 15, 2003. He graduated from basic training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., on Dec. 12, 2003. He was then stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he served with Lima Company until he began his first tour in Iraq on Feb. 15, 2005.

On Dec. 26, 2006, at the age of 21, Josh died from injuries he sustained while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Josh was a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.

At home in Loyal, Josh was a loving son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and a good friend to many. He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and enjoyed playing football in high school and playing drums in the 3rd Tri Rock band that he and two high school friends, Travis Strey and Brent Motion, formed. Josh was not only willing to serve his country, but was always willing to help others out.

He will be sadly missed by his parents, Mark and Kelly Schmitz of Spencer; two sisters, Angela (Kevin) Colby of Loyal and Stephanie Schmitz, at home; three brothers, Justin, Brandon and Nick, all at home; his maternal grandparents, Ken and Bonnie (Heier) Gilles of Medford; his paternal grandparents, Marlin and Virginia (Wolf) Schmitz of Granton; one nephew, Jorden Bennett of Loyal; one niece, Paige Colby of Loyal; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Josh's name are being accepted at Citizens State Bank in Loyal.

A public funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Loyal High School gymnasium. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the gymnasium.

A private family service at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, with burial in St. Anthony's Cemetery, will follow at a later date.

Full military rites will be conducted by a U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard.

Cuddie Funeral Home of Loyal is assisting the family with arrangements.