Vincent A. Schmitt, 91

Vincent A. Schmitt, 91, of Jasper, Indiana, passed away at 12:10 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2014, at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper, Indiana.

Vincent was born in Jasper, Indiana, on March 23, 1923 to Albert and Catherine (Frohlich) Schmitt. He married Alma Eckert on June 5, 1946 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana. She preceded him in death on December 26, 2010.

Vincent was a member of the Ireland High School class of 1941, of which he was the last surviving member. He previously worked at Jasper Wood Products and then worked as a brick mason for the majority of his life.

Vincent was a member of the United States Army Golden Acorn Division of the 87th Infantry. He served during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, where he was in communications.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he was an usher for many years, a lifelong member of V.F.W. Post #673, the American Legion Post #147, Jasper Knights of Columbus, Dubois County Museum, and the Ireland Historical Society.

He enjoyed playing cards, building mailboxes, farming, and doing puzzles.

He is survived four daughters, Mary Park, and her husband, John, of Jasper, Eloise Bodkins, and her husband, Larry, of Winslow, Brenda Heeke, and her husband Glen, of Jasper, and Annette Patton, and her husband, Jerry, of Huntingburg; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Gloria Jean Ruhe of Brazil, Ind.; two brothers, Frank Schmitt of Huntingburg and Ray Schmitt, and his wife, Dorothea, of Jasper.

Preceding him in death besides his wife are three sisters, Josephine Jacobs, Mary Bresser, and LaVerne Meyer, and two brothers David Schmitt and Norbert Schmitt, who died in infancy.

Funeral services for Vincent A. Schmitt will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday,nOctober 8, 2014, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper, Indiana. The V.F.W. Post #673 will conduct military grave site rites.

Friends may call from 2:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. St. Joseph’s Parish will pray a rosary at 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or to a favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.