Ronald "Ron" J. Schmitz

Ronald "Ron" J. Schmitz, age 86, of Flushing formerly of Flint, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. In following his wishes his family will be keeping his funeral private. Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Sharp Funeral Home - Miller Road Chapel has been entrusted with assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences can be shared on his obituary page by visiting www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. 

Ron was born on October 18, 1938, in Flint, Michigan to the late Peter & Elsie (Venne) Schmitz. He graduated from Holy Redeemer High School, class of 1958. Ron furthered his education by earning his bachelor's and 2 master's degrees in education from the Eastern Michigan University & University of Michigan. His first teaching position was at Holy Redeemer Elementary School he then spent the next 30 plus years in education retiring as principal from Washington Elementary in Flint. Ron's natural given gift was teaching children, he loved them all dearly and his goal was in ensure every child enrolled to his school would graduate being able to read. To help this dream become a reality he developed after school programs and gathered a vast support system of volunteers who tutored these students. 

Many things came natural to Ron, he was a talented actor and singer within the theater community. He spent many years painting in watercolor; of which his portraits were sold in Chicago art galleries and showings in his hometown of Flint. Ron dappled in floral arrangements for a small time and sold one of kind arrangements from his home. When he couldn't find a proper three-piece suit to fit him just right, he purchased a sewing machine and yards of fabric and made his own. And yet for a man with such ambition and talent he will be most missed for his kind and generous heart as Ron was such a humble man. 

He leaves behind his siblings, Douglas (Sue) Schmitz, Wayne (Michele) Schmitz, and Sharon (Ken) Myers; his nieces and nephews, Tim (Amal) Schmitz, Kelly (Dino) Vesprini, Brian (Lisa) Schmitz, Shannon (Tim) Green, Tara Hillary, Matthew (Chevelle) Kateman and Megan Kateman; great nieces and nephews whom he shared many precious memories with, Chase Hillary, Phoebe Hillary, Gabrielle Green and Harper Kateman. Ron his further survived by his dear friend, Richard Doll and other dear family members and friends too numerous to list but never forgotten. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his furry feline companion, Percy.

Ron's family would like to extend their many thanks to the staff of Hyde Park Assisted Living in Flushing for always going over and beyond in making Ron feel at home.