ELKHART - Michael Joseph Schmatz, 87, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Center for Hospice, Elkhart. He was born December 20, 1930 to Elsie Katherine Burns and Ferdinand Henry Schmatz in Dunkirk, New York. Michael married Chrystal Snow on June 23, 2001. She survives as well as four children, Deborah (Dick) Zaverl, Linda (Albert) Keppel, Carol (Geri) Schmatz and Denice Ludlow and her children; Cathy Snow, Dale (Cathy) Snow, Rod Snow, Brian (Jenifer) Snow and Julie (Eric) Noblitt; 12 grandchildren, including Tracy (Matt) Leonard, Scott (Melissa) Keppel, Jason (Candace) Schmatz, Shannon and Ashley Zaverl, and Hayden and Abby Ludlow and 17 great-grandchildren, two sisters; Janet Cadwallader of Yorktown Heights, NY and Mary Nicholson of Buffalo, NY, as well as many nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Hadley, two brothers,

Phillip Schmatz and James Schmatz as well as his grandson, Ian Ludlow. Michael graduated from St. Mary's High School, Dunkirk, NY. He earned his Eagle Scout in 1945. Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1955. Michael worked for New York Central for many years and retired from Conrail in 1991. Mike loved to sing and was treasured for his endless kindness, generosity and humor.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin Street, Elkhart on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm with a visitation 1 hour prior. Rev. Jason Freiburger of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church will officiate. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Air Force and DAV Chapter 19. In honoring his wishes, cremation was chosen with burial at a later date in the Veterans Section at Prairie Street Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Center for Hospice Care or St. Jude's Children Hospital.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-180-021-6584
Web: http://www.stjude.org/memorial

Hospice Foundation
501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka IN 46545
Tel: 1-800-413-9083
Email: info@foundationforhospice.org
Web: https://foundationforhospice.org/donate/