Mr. Schmittling was a laborer at Granite City Steel before his retirement. Prior to that he worked as a coal miner. He was an avid pool and darts player in his younger years and loved to garden. Joe was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran serving with the 101st Airborne Division.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Schmittling, nee Money, whom he married on November 13, 1964, and who died on October 10, 2003; and his parents Joseph F. and Marcella M., nee Schoen, Schmittling; and a sister, Rita Schmittling.
He is survived by two sons, Robert Schmittling of Swansea, IL,
and Bradley (Kristy) Schmittling of Florissant, MO;
a daughter, Jennifer Schmittling (Howard Kurtz) of Fairview Heights, IL;
five grandchildren, Peyton Schmittling, Matthew Schmittling, Kandace Poole (Derick Woods), Joshuah (Hayley) Poole, and Kyle Poole;
one great-grandchild, Claire Woods;
his long-time companion, Betty Hughes of St. Louis, MO;
a brother, Anthony (Jennifer) Schmittling;
a sister, Bernice (John) Duncan;
and two brothers-in-law, Ben (Connie) Mooney of St. Libory, IL, and Ron Sinn of St. Libory, IL.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2019, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.