Joseph Anthony Schmitz

Joseph Anthony Schmitz, a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cherished friend, passed away on November 11, 2024, in Stockton, California, at the age of 85, after an eight-month battle with leukemia. Born on October 11, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Joe’s life followed a unique path marked by love, adventure, and a deep commitment to family, work, and those around him.

Joe spent his formative years in Richland, Washington, where the experiences and values he gained shaped him into the kind, hardworking, and devoted man he became. He embarked on a distinguished career in the nuclear industry at the Hanford site in Richland. In the 1960s, Joe relocated to California, where he made significant contributions to the nuclear power and defense sectors through his work with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and General Electric. His career, marked by excellence and dedication, spanned decades and took him around the globe—from Europe to Japan—as he worked to advance progress and safety in the nuclear field. He retired from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 2007.

In 1978, Joe married Shirley Andersen. Though their marriage ended in 2000, their enduring friendship brought them together as housemates again in 2004, a bond they shared until Shirley’s passing in 2013. Joe cherished Shirley’s daughter, Julie Larkin, whom he considered his own, along with his step-grandsons, Aaron and Sam Oyler.

Joe is lovingly remembered by his sister, Barbara Wagner, and his niece and nephews: Jennifer, Brian, Geoff, and Kevin, as well as his great-nieces and nephews. He also maintained warm connections with his former mother-in-law, Irene Andersen, and in-laws Sandy and Joe Ardan, reflecting his unwavering loyalty and love for family.

Joe’s life was defined by his generous spirit, quick wit, and quiet appreciation for the world around him. He found joy in traveling, attending rock and gem shows, exploring coin shops, and trying his luck at local casinos. Joe enjoyed watching sports on TV, listening to bluegrass music, and exploring offbeat movies and TV shows. He also had a special place in his heart for animals, embodying kindness and compassion in all he did.

Joe was a kind and gentle man, a source of love and laughter to all who knew him. His legacy of warmth, generosity, and enduring love will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A private memorial service and interment will take place on February 27, 2025, at Oceanview Cemetery in Eureka, California. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a local animal shelter or a charity of your choice in Joe’s memory.