Col. William Schminke

William L. Schminke returned to his eternal home on December 23, 2015. He was 95 years old. He was surrounded by his family. Bill, as he is affectionately known, was born on June 12, 1920 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. His parents were Anna Katherine and Paul Kenneth Schminke. Bill married Lillian J. Udbye on February 14, 1947. The couple were blessed with two sons, Peter, born in 1947; and Jon, born in 1950. The Schminke family came to the Globe-Miami area in 1948. Kenneth had been a Chevrolet dealer in Nebraska City for two years prior to the move to Arizona. They came to Miami to purchase the Chevrolet dealership. Miami was a very active town at the time. In 1950. Bill and his father purchased Don Digs Chevrolet in Globe. In 1954 the two purchased property where Cobre Valley Motors is today. Consolidating both dealerships into one facility. Bill Schminke became the dealer/owner in 1958 and remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1986. Bill loved his country. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps at age 18. The Army Air Corp was later called the U.S. Air Force. Bill served 30 years in the Air Force, eight in active service and the rest in the reserve program. He was a military pilot in Europe during World War II. He achieved the rank of a full Colonel before retiring. After 47 years of marriage, his wife Lillian passed away on June 7, 1994. Jon passed away on December 10, 1996 following a vehicle accident. Bill was an active participant in the following: Chamber of Commerce both Globe and Miami, YMCA Globe-Miami, United Fund, Salvation Army, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Bill is survived by his wife Kathryn of Globe, one son, Peter (Debby) also of Globe, two grandchildren, Nell Howard (George) of Globe, and Paul (Kseniya) of Phoenix, Arizona. Four great-grandchildren, Logan, Tysen, Emersen and Hayden. One sister, Sally Bryant of Denver, Colorado. Two stepchildren, Rena Mann (Tom) of Young, Arizona and Eddie (Gay Ann) Wetzler also of young and their families. Bill was preceded by his wife Lillian, son Jon L. Schminke, his parents and one sister Helen. Services for William L. Schminke will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at Lamont Mortuary, 328 S. Hill Street, Globe, Arizona at 10:00 A.M. The viewing will be held one hour prior to services at 9:00 A.M. Interment to follow at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, Arizona. It will be at 2:00 P.M. with Military Honors.