Stuart "Stu" Carleton Schmitz

Stuart “Stu” Carleton Schmitz passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 17, 2020. He was born on April 25, 1957 in Omaha, Nebraska to Betty (Schafer) and Robert Schmitz. In 1990 he met the love of his life, Holly Kauffman, and they were married March 16, 1991.

He was a loving father to his daughter, Ashley Baldwin, and his step-children, Nick Foell and Heather (Foell) Lasansky. He was a soft-spoken, gentle man, always willing to lend a hand, and give support to those in need. If you knew Stu, he was your friend. Always supportive to his wife and children, while being an example to others of what a Christian leader in the home should be.

Stu studied Chemical Engineering at Iowa State University, graduating with his Masters in 1982. He played intramural baseball, was a brother at Theta Delta Chi, and found his faith in Jesus Christ while at school and an active member of his campus church. He was baptized in Lake Lavern. Stu was a huge Cyclone football fan, Nebraska football fan, and Cubs baseball fan.

He went on to teach engineering at Iowa State University as an Assistant Professor from 1982-1984 and as a lecturer from 2003-2004 to undergraduate engineering students. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources from 1984-1991 as an Environmental Engineer, and from 1991-2000 he worked as a Senior Engineer for Montgomery Watson.

Stu used his Professional Engineering skills with his own business, Schmitz Environmental in 2000, where he enjoyed supporting companies across the country with Engineering Environmental needs. Stu began working for the Iowa Department of Public Health in 2004. He became the State Environmental Toxicologist at the Iowa Department of Public Health where he dedicated himself to service for the care and health of Iowans. Always a patient man, the calm in any storm, Stu positively impacted everyone around him.

Stu was a lover of the arts and was deeply intelligent. He was musically gifted--playing piano and singing. He performed for Church services, weddings, and any family gatherings. His rich tenor voice would wrap around you like a warm hug.

Stu’s gifts and talents in music gave him much joy. He has been an active Worship leader, piano player and Choir member, at a few churches in the Des Moines area, including Walnut Creek, First Federated and Bondurant First Family Church. He did everything with the desire to glorify God. Stu and his wife Holly were also involved in the Stephen’s Ministry, which provides Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. Stu also had a passion for studying the Bible and Reformed Theology.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Holly Schmitz; his daughters, Ashley (Alec) Baldwin of Denver CO, Heather (Rory) Lasansky and granddaughter Lila Lasansky of Iowa City; and his sister, Carrie Schmitz of Houston; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and countless brothers and sisters in Christ.

Stuart was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Schmitz; his son, Nick Foell; and his in-laws, Floyd and Delores Kauffman.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28

Memorial contributions can be made to Ligonier Ministries, PO Box 863595, Orlando, FL 32886-3595 or online at https://www.ligonier.org/donate/.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The private funeral service will be live-streamed on Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m.

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