Mel was born at home on Rumble Road in Modesto to Herbert and Viola Schmitz. Mel grew up ranching with his Dad, uncles and brothers in the area. After graduating from Ceres High school, he joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. Upon returning home, he met and married Betty Grube in 1957. Mel was a diesel mechanic at YOLO Transport for 30 years. Mel is survived by daughter Ann (Kevin) Winsness; grandchildren Courtney, Taylor (Josiah) Johnson, and Kennedy Winsness; brother Joseph Schmitz; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Funeral Chapel. Services will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Tuesday, May 25, 2021 with a viewing at 9:00 a.m., Recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., followed by Committal at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Please visit Mel’s tribute page at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com to send the family your condolences.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Funeral Chapel. Services will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Tuesday, May 25, 2021 with a viewing at 9:00 a.m., Recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., followed by Committal at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Please visit Mel’s tribute page at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com to send the family your condolences.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
May 19, 2021
