Fred Schmittling

Fred "Butch" Joseph Schmittling, Jr., 84, born July 5, 1942, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Springfield, MO.

Fred was born in Belleville, IL to Florence and Fred Sr. He was part of a large Catholic family, growing up with four brothers -Wayne, Stan, Dale, and Albert, along with three sisters- Virginia, Aurelia, and Marlene. He attended Cathedral High School and besides being a good student, played three sports - football, baseball, and basketball. Although he excelled at all three, Fred enjoyed baseball the most. After high school he did his duty to his country and enlisted in the United States Army. He served two years in the regular Army and almost four in the Army Reserve. He rose to the rank of Staff Sargent and specialized in Artillery. He met many good friends during his time of service to his country and was very proud of this.

Upon discharge from the regular Army, he took a job at McDonnell Douglas - later Boeing Military Aircraft, where he worked as a chemical miller for over 45 years. He helped build numerous fighter aircraft for the United States military but was most proud of his work on the F-4 Phantom. He helped build the first and the last of the 5000 Phantoms made at the Saint Louis plant.

Fred met his wife Mary Ann nee Eisele in 1966, and they married on May 31, 1968. They settled down in Fairview Heights, IL where they had two sons, Adam and Zak, and were married for over 58 years.

He remained an excellent athlete throughout his life, playing many games of organized competitive softball at the Catholic Knight and Ladies of Illinois facility where was a longtime member. In addition, Fred was very proud of bowling a rare 300 perfect game and was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame. Later, he took up the frustrating game of golf and enjoyed playing with friends including Art Gatner and Ted and Sue Tedesco.

Fred was an avid sports fan, being a lifelong baseball Cardinal supporter. He was able to experience in person the 1967 and 1968 World Series games while working at Busch stadium and saw 9 Cardinal World Series appearances. He also was a Rams football fan and owned season tickets and witnessed one Superbowl win. He was very disappointed when the team left for Los Angeles, CA.

Fred was a member of St. Clare Catholic Church, O'Fallon, IL, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of Ladies of Illinois, and the Moose Lodge.

He was loved by many family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, and his sister Virginia, and his son Adam.

He truly loved his wife Mary Ann, his son, Zak, and his daughter-in-law, Catherine, whom he leaves behind. In addition, he was very proud of his grandchildren Eric, Matthew, and Jason and was able to spend many holidays and vacations with them. He especially enjoyed touring the US Navy submarine USS Nevada on which his grandson, Eric, served and going to see the Green Bay Packers play the Rams with his grandsons Matthew and Jason.

He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Charles Eisele with whom he worked at Andria's Restaurant, and his sister-in-law, Susan McNamara. He was able to spend many Ozark vacations with Susan, Charles, and other family members. Fred is also survived by his sisters Marlene and Aurelia and his favorite niece and rummy partner Beth. The list of those who will miss him include his brother-in-law Wally, friends Ray Miller, Larry and Maureen Kenison, Sue and Ted Tedesco, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Fred had a strong faith and faced death with dignity. He will be truly missed but the world is a better place because he was here for 84 years.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to St. Clare Catholic Church, O'Fallon IL, for masses to be said in his memory or to Pre-Born, a nonprofit Prolife organization. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Family and friends may visit from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with a sharing of memories to be held at 6 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at St. Clare Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL.

Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at St. Clare Catholic Church, O'Fallon, IL, with Rev. James Deiters officiating.

Burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.