Arthur James Schuetze, 90

After just over 90 years and a life well lived, Art Schuetze left us and transitioned to his heavenly home.

He was reunited with his parents, Art and Regina, and his two sisters, Janet and Barb. He was born in 1931 and passed away recently at his home in Lakeland FL. He was married for 64 years to the love of his life, Bonnie, who survives him along with 3 children Jamie Schlachter (Neal), Kim Schuetze (Nelson Lemmon), Scott Schuetze (Kristine) and one bonus son, Antonio Sanchez-Cappuchino (Jackie Newman) who came into our family as an exchange student and has been our beloved son/brother since then. Also missing him are seven grandchildren, Kyle Schlachter (Lisa Todd), Evan Schlachter, Tricia Endres (Tony), Kaitlyn Schuetze (Race Bottini), Alec Schuetze, Javier Sanchez and Jaime Sanchez and three great children (Ben, Bea and Nora).

Art was fortunate to have many experiences in his life. He proudly served in the US Navy on the USS Robinson and later was privileged to experience the Flight to Honor in 2015 in commemoration of his service. He loved Wisconsin and enjoyed sharing outdoor sports on the lake and in the woods with family and friends. He had season tickets since the early days of his favorite team, The Green Bay Packers. Since moving to Florida, he became a Tampa Lightning fan.

After working, for many years in health care management, Art fully embraced retirement by immersing himself in golf and made two “holes in one.” It looked like so much fun that Bonnie soon joined him in retirement. They traveled to many of the places on their bucket list including a River Boat cruise in Fall 2019 through Eastern Europe. Good friends often accompanied them on their trips for fun and frolic!

His kids remember him as having a generous heart and supporting us in our adoptions of as many pets as we/he could take care of. This makes for great stories, memories and laughs! He always was active in our lives by coaching, teaching and encouraging us in our endeavors. He remained a cornerstone for us by providing a helping hand on our projects, visiting each of us often and sharing our joy as our families grew by loving his grandkids and great grandchildren. We especially appreciate his ‘mostly’ calm response to whatever damage we caused or crisis we created.

Although he enjoyed many accomplishments in his life, the one that brought him the most joy was his family. Whether you called him Husband and best friend, Dad, Art, Arthur, AJ, Grandpa, Papa, Big Papa or Friend, we will all miss him and love him.

A Catholic service will be Friday, April 16, 2021 at St. Anthony’s Church, Lakeland FL 10 a.m. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The family will plan a celebration of life at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes.