Leo “Sunny” Schmitz Jr., age 85, of Wauseon and owner of Sunny’s Campground in Wauseon, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, March 2, 2013 at the CHP Defiance Inpatient Center.  He was born in Metamora, OH on February 23, 1928 to the late Leo Schmitz Sr. and Veronica (Snyder) Schmitz.  On February 3, 1951 he married Lois (Hassen) Schmitz and she survives.  Sunny attended St. Mary Assumption School.  He was a farmer until deciding to start a campground so families would have a safe place to camp, swim and make good memories to share among themselves.  He could not find this for his 7 children so he decided to create it himself.  That was a big chance he took back in 1965.  Everyone thought he was crazy.  Now after 48 years, we have several generations who return to let their children experience what was an awesome time they shared with their parents.  Sunny’s dream has been fulfilled.  He was a member of St. Caspar Catholic Church in Wauseon.  In addition to his wife of 62 years, Lois Schmitz; he is survived by his seven children, Judy Schmitz, Nancy (John O.) Martinez Jr., Ron (Beth – deceased) Schmitz, Dan Schmitz, Diane (Hershel) Laster, Scott (Deb) Schmitz and Randy (Rae Lynn) Schmitz; brothers, Bill (Mona) Schmitz, Tom Schmitz; sisters, Florence Ruple and Camilla Cleghorn; grandchildren, J.D. Martinez, Michael (Tasha) Martinez, Chasity (Max) Nofziger, Crystal (Mike) O’Donnell, Andrea (Cesar) Panez, Brianne Schmitz, Robert Schmitz, Matt Schmitz, Lindsay (Jason) Miller, Jacob (Missy) Schmitz and Kaylee Schmitz; eight great grandchildren with another arriving soon and three step-great grandchildren.  Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jean Prescott, Pat Willson and Susann Hubbell, brother, Ralph Schmitz, brothers-in-law, Don Prescott, Frank Ruple and Leo Hassen Jr. and sisters-in-law, Madeline Schmitz, Mary Hassen and Gertrude Hassen.  Friends may visit from 2-8 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St. Hwy 109 in Delta; with a vigil service beginning at 7:30 PM.  A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, at St. Caspar Catholic Church, 1205 N. Shoop Ave, Wauseon, OH 43567.  Fr. David Bruning will be officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Caspar Catholic Cemetery in Wauseon.  Those wishing a show of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to CHP Defiance Hospice Inpatient Center, 6817 St Rt 66, Defiance, OH 43512, The American Heart Association, 15120 Collections Center Dr., Chicago, IL 60693 or St. Caspar Catholic Church in Sunny’s memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.

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