John Franz Schmitt

John Franz Schmitt - A resident of Santa Rosa for 62 years, passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2009. He was born in Chicago on June 7, 1916. John believed deeply in love of Family, God and Country and his life was guided by these principles. John was the loving husband of 63 years with Elise Bucthal Schmitt with whom he had five loving children. He and Elise were closely involved with all of their children throughout his life. John was very active in the community. He was a valued employee of PG&E for 30 years. He worshipped at St. Eugene"s Catholic Church and was president of YMI and Autumn Leaves, as well as a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as a docent at the Luther Burbank museum and was an active Boy Scout leader for over twenty years. John was an avid and effective gardener and maintained a successful walnut orchard in Lake County into his eighties.