Charles Elwood Schmitz passed away on June 21, 2014 at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences hospital in Little Rock. He died fighting off pneumonia acquired during rehabilitation from an automobile accident in February.
Chuck was born to Reverend Charles and Eunice Schmitz in Los Angeles, California on March 17, 1943. He was raised in Phoenix, Arizona and attended Pacific Lutheran University and California Lutheran University, graduating from Luther College in 1964.
Chuck lived in Arizona, Wisconsin, Texas, Missouri, Illinois and Puerto Rico before settling in Southern California for nearly 30 years. He began his career as a science teacher, going on to distinguish himself in the field of electrical engineering with 6 patents and significant contributions through his work at Polaroid, Grumman Aerospace, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and as a consultant to Malin Space Science Systems where he helped develop the Mars Surveyor descent camera.
In 2005, Chuck retired to Yellville, Arkansas to enjoy a change of pace and some quality time tinkering on cars and finding new ways to improve the comfort and security of his Ozark retreat. Chuck never failed to profess science as his God, but in the end, it was his interest in quantum physics and entanglement theory that turned his mind toward a 'Theory of Everything' compatible with his Christian roots.
Lifelong friend, Reverend Charles Wilfong conducted the funeral service held at Merritt Funeral Home on June 30, 2014 in Mendota, Illinois. There, Chuck was laid to rest beside his parents and grandparents at Restland Cemetery to the music of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and George Jones.
Chuck's family mourns the loss of this unabashed, opinionated, brilliant, tender soul who lived life with profound strength and vulnerability to the last day. Chuck is survived by his longtime love, Darlene of Yellville, AR; brother, Jon Schmitz of Phoenix, AZ; and daughter, Kjersti Schmitz of New York, NY.