Joseph Oscar Schmitz Jr., 85, a longtime resident of the Brookside neighborhood in Kansas City, died August 24, 2011. Joe was born in Atchison, Kansas, on February 8, 1926, to Joseph Oscar and Lucile Schmitz. He attended Bryant Elementary and Southwest High School in Kansas City before graduating from Morgan Park Military Academy near Chicago. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served on anti- submarine patrol aircraft as a radio operator. After the war, Joe attended the University of Kansas before going to work as a manufacturer's representative for his father's business, the J.O. Schmitz Co. Joe later took over the company which specialized in electronics parts and components. It's name was later changed to MSB Associates and Joe continued as its owner until his retirement. Joe served his community as a volunteer in many ways. Those efforts included Meals on Wheels, the Community Blood Center and as an ambassador at Kansas City International Airport. He was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Kansas City where he served as an usher for many years. He was an avid supporter of the Airline History Museum. Joe pursued a number of hobbies including fishing, sailing and woodworking. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with buddies and once took a sailing trip to Alaska with his wife. He crafted wooden toys like rocking horses and built backyard play sets and tree houses for his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Mildred Brandner Schmitz of the home; five daughters, Jody (Jim) Amberg, Marilyn (Jay) Stewart, Martha (Rick) Becker, Jane (Dean) Bruemmer and Margaret (Tony) Rizzo; a brother Charles Schmitz; a sister, Frances Baker; 20 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri, 64113. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment in Mt. Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church or the Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64145. Condolences may be made at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Mt Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home. 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131. (816) 942-2004

Published in the Kansas City Star, August 25, 2011.