Joseph J. Schiltz's Obituary
On March 29th, 2017, Joseph James Schiltz entered the gates of heaven before his mission on earth was complete, leaving behind his family and friends devastated by his loss. Joseph lived and loved intensely; every day was an opportunity to perform, every conversation a song waiting to be written. A philosopher, a musician, a poet, an artist, a perfectionist, a thinker; his humor and his love will be deeply missed. His spirit will live on in those he loved, the music he wrote, the songs he played, the words he spoke. For a moment, the stage has gone dark, the guitar strings are still. He was loved without condition and beyond measure by so, so many. Family was so important to Joe. Married in November, united in love much, much longer, Joe is survived by his beloved wife Mallory. He was extremely close to his immediate and extended family and shared a very close relationship with his parents Deacon James and Frances Schiltz, and Parents-In-Law Tom and Cindy Walters. Joe and his siblings have been each other’s best friends. He was a brother to Cyndie (Brian Gelderloos), Sarah (Walter Elliott), Theresa (Jim Hanley), Andrew (Kelsey Schiltz), Greg, Jamie (Frankie Velazquez), and Brian; Joe’s sister-in law, Stacy (Ken) Cash and brother-in-law, Tom (Kailee). He was the beloved uncle to Remy and Kelsey Gelderloos; Isaac, Naomi, Sophi, Laela, and Brinley Elliott; Hayden, Anna, and Luke Toebe; and Caroline and Clara Schiltz, and Chloe DeBoer. He was exceptionally close to many aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially his lifelong partner in crime and adventure, cousin Matthew Schiltz. Joseph had friends in every corner of the country and coast to coast, leaving his song written in the hearts of so many. As his life on earth ended, he was welcomed into eternity in the arms of his grandparents, Elmer and Jeannette Schiltz and Harold and Caroline Hepner, his beloved Uncle Ger, cousins Sheri, Michael, Marina, Karen, Jerry, and Tony, and dearest friend Brother Ben Baer. We will celebrate Joe’s life on April 4th at 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, with Rev. Peter Vu, presider, and Rev. Mel Fox, homilist. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Monday, April 3rd at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100 and also one hour prior to the service at the church. A Wake Service Vigil, by Joe’s Dad, will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday at the funeral home with a time of sharing to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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