Gerald Leonard "Buzz" Schmitz, Jr., 73, of Hart, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, due to a motor vehicle accident. He was born October 8, 1952, in Monroe, Michigan, the son of Gerald Sr. and Jean (Dodson) Schmitz.

In 1995, Gerald married Helen (Mannor) Schmitz, and over the last 30 years have been blessed with 11 children, 27 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; they were his greatest pride and joy.

Gerald was not only a loving family man, but a man of Faith. He and Helen are faithful members of First Baptist Church in Hart.

Gerald also had many hobbies, including horseback riding, playing guitar, flying airplanes, as he was a licensed private pilot, as well as operating heavy equipment and semi-trucks. Gerald had a love for the great outdoors; he loved hunting and fishing, and especially enjoyed camping with his family. Some of his favorite camping destinations were at Nichols Lake in Newaygo County, or in Michigan's picturesque Upper Peninsula.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Helen Schmitz; children, Gerald 'Spike' (Orien) Schmitz, Lisa (Dwight) Frasier, Carla (Martin, Jr.) Kaat, Roger (Jen) Hovey, Frank (Randi) Hovey, Heather Schmitz, Preston Schmitz, Sean Schmitz, James Schmitz, Melissa Schmitz, and Jace Schmitz; 27 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Patricia (Jim) Monohan, Madaline Shefke, Jean (Randy) Hovey, David (Debbie) Schmitz, Jenny (Michael) Flanery, and Virginia (Dave) Prather.

Gerald was preceded in death by: his parents, Gerald Sr. and Jean Schmitz; brother, Fredrick J. Schmitz and Larry T. "Louie" Schmitz, great-granddaughter, Emersyn Kokx; nieces, Sabrina Shefke and Kim Schmitz; nephew, Zachary Flanery.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Hart, 3258 North 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420, with Pastor Ryan Vander Zwaag officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, October 24, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420, and Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in Hart, 3258 North 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com