Obituary of Leonard H Schmitz

Leonard H. Schmitz, age 84, of St. Petersburg, Fl, passed away at home on May 2, 2021. He was born and raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He served our country honorably in the Navy before settling in Ripon, Wisconsin as a beekeeper, a passion he maintained for many years. After retiring, he joined his son Tim in St. Petersburg, Fl where he played Shuffleboard and won many awards and recognition, of which he was proud. His family would joke that Leonard would do anything for anyone, unless it interfered with his Shuffleboard time. Leonard was also involved at Holy Family Catholic Church and enjoyed volunteering his time with his wife Margaret doing various activities to benefit their community. One highlight of his recent years was when he visited Rome with Cardinal Timothy Dolan and was able to meet Pope John Paul II.
Leonard was preceded in death by the love of his life, wife Margaret, with whom he spent 53 years. He is survived by his son, Tim (Tricia) Schmitz of St. Petersburg; grandchildren Jonah, Aidan, and Madison Schmitz; brothers Dennis, Eldon, and Verlin Schmitz all of Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews. 
A visitation will be held at Holy Family Catholic church on Wednesday, May 19th at 10am with a funeral service at 11am. Burial at Sarasota National Cemetery will immediately follow the mass at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Holy Family Catholic Church.