Donald “Chopper” I. Schmeltz Sr., age 72 of Pemberville, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday,
February 19, 2020 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with his wife Mary by his side.
He was born on February 7, 1948 in Toledo, OH, to Donald T. and June (Kinker) Schmeltz. On March 18, 1967
he married Mary Lucas in Bowling Green, OH.
Chopper and Mary raised 2 children and celebrated almost 53 years of marriage. Early in his working life,
he first worked on the railroad and later as a carpenter. He would eventually work as a machinist at
Chrysler in Perrysburg for 30 plus years before his retirement.
Chopper is best known for his love of the Pemberville Legion Baseball Program, having coached numerous
teams over the years. His memberships included: being a Son of the Legion, the Moose Lodge, Ducks
Unlimited, and a life member of the NRA. Chopper was a longtime member of the Forks Conservation of
Pemberville. He was a big supporter of Eastwood Athletics, which included coaching several baseball
teams.
In his free time, he enjoyed: hunting, fishing, bowling, his trips to Colorado and his annual vacations
to Myrtle Beach. It was his family: wife, children, and grandchildren that remained his greatest joy.
In addition to his wife Mary, Chopper is survived by his daughter: Gina (Blaine) Hineline and son: Donald
“Chop” (Muffy) Schmeltz Jr., both of Pemberville. Granddaughters: Melinda (Tyler) Santogrossi and
Mackenzie (Logan Angelone) Hineline both of Gibsonburg. Brothers: Richard Schmeltz, Thomas (Bonnie)
Schmeltz Sr., and sister: Kathy (Don) Brockschmidt. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Terry, Tim and Daniel Schmeltz, 1 niece and 1 nephew.
Family and friends will be received from 12-5 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Pemberville American
Legion Hall, located at 405 E. Front Street in Pemberville. A memorial service will be conducted at 5
p.m. with Chopper’s brother-in-law, Don Brockschmidt, officiating.
A bereavement dinner celebrating Chopper’s memory will be hosted at the Legion Hall immediately following
the service.
Memorials may take the form of contributions to: The Pemberville Legion Baseball Team.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
