Gretchen Darnell Schmitz

August 8, 1934 - May 14, 2022

Gretchen Darnell Schmitz, 87, of Naples, Florida formerly a long time resident of Waukegan passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 14, 2022. She was born August 8, 1934 in Boone, Iowa to Charles and Adeline Cole. Gretchen moved to Waukegan in the early 1960’s where she met her husband, Dale Schmitz. They were married for 40 years until he passed away on December 5, 2002. She worked at Baxter and the City of Waukegan as a phone operator and a secretary for animal control. She had a true passion for animals and would do anything to help one in need. Gretchen was a diehard Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks fan. She loved that one moment when we pulled up next to Michael Jordan in the car and she yelled hi to him, MJ rolled his window down and said what’s up mom? She loved to laugh and joke with people, was a devoted wife and mother who showed unconditional love till the very end. Gretchen is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Lina Schmitz and step grandson, Steven Rios. She is preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Dale Schmitz; sister, Donna Davison and parents, Charles, and Adeline Cole. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at Peterson & Patch Funeral Home in Waukegan. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park in Libertyville. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, May 23, 2022 and Tuesday from 10:00 AM to time of service at the funeral home. Please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com.