Leroy William Schmitz was born December 24th, 1941 to William Gehardt and Marie Ann (Ertz) Schmitz of Bonesteel, SD where Leroy spent his childhood and high school years, graduating from Bonesteel High School in 1961. He was taken home to his Lord on March 10, 2014.

Leroy entered the U.S. Navy in 1961 and served until 1966. He was stationed in South Carolina at the end of his military career and remained in that area and made his home there after his discharge.

Leroy was employed at Metromont as a Maintenance Supervisor and Kemitz Company for many years in Greenville, South Carolina area. Leroy was married to Patsy Strickland and to that union a daughter, Angela Maria was born January 15, 1980 and grandson Logan Andrew Holden was born September 6, 2007.

Leroy had a stroke in 2006 and his brother Robert moved him to Platte, SD. When Robert passed away Leroy entered the Haisch Haus and lived there until his death.

Leroy loved to play cards and enjoyed all kinds of sports. His favorite was NASCAR racing where he was an avid fan. He particularly enjoyed talking about his pride and joy, his grandson Logan, and looked forward to his visits and phone calls.

Thankful for the memories and sharing his life with daughter Angela, grandson Logan, son-in-law, Robert Holden of Greenville, SC; his sisters: Shirley Pistulka Grinell, IA; Patty (Eben) Bailey of Bonesteel, SD; Carol (Dan) Pistulka of Sioux Falls, SD; and Donna Schmitz of Gregory, SD; a sister-in-law, Margie Schmitz of Helena, MT plus many nieces, nephews and cousins and many friends

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents, a sister Marlene, a brother Robert and a brother-in-law, Ken Pistulka.