Wilhelm Schmetzer
March 17, 1929 — December 27, 2021
Wilhelm Schmetzer was born in Heidelberg, Germany on March 17, 1929. He started a baker apprentice program when he was 15 years old, and became a Master Baker in Germany in 1951. In 1951, at the age of 22, he came to the United States with his twelve-year-old brother Manfred on the M.S. Rotterdam. They were sponsored by their uncle Bernard Schmetzer who had several garden nurseries in Avon, Ohio. Missing his trade and knowing that outside nursery work was not for him, he started working in small German bakeries in Cleveland.
In 1952, he volunteered in the U.S. Army and served 2.5 years of active duty. Upon discharge he joined the U.S. Army Reserve where he served a total of 34 years and 4 months. He was honorably discharged as an E8 Master Sergeant and received a degree in... food services. One of his biggest accomplishments in the Army Reserve was giving annual food service support for two months a year to the National Rifle Matches at Port Clinton in Perry, Ohio. He did this for 15 years. Part of his duties were supervising 50 cooks and preparing 6,000 meals daily. He worked full time for numerous local bakeries after his Army Service and was a member of Bakers Local 19 for 53 years. For over 20 years he had a small part-time catering business with his family.
In 1967, he joined the Baeyerischer Maennerchor and served as Bummel Meister, Vice President and President. Willie served as President of the Vereinigten Saenger of Cleveland and was instrumental in the merger of the ladies and men's choruses. In consultation with the Novak Company, Willie designed a special lapel pin to commemorate this Vereingten merger.
For three years he served as second Vice President of the Stadtverband and was awarded German-American Man of the Year in 2002. For many years he coordinated the buying and food preparation for the German-American Day Festival.
Willie and his wife of 46 years, Joan, are members of St. Augustine Catholic Church and are adventurous world travelers. Willie recently resigned many of his offices since his travels interrupt many of his official duties.
Although Willie was a quiet man, his numerous contributions to the German community speak for themselves, and he will be remembered always.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Augustine Hunger Center.
Wilhelm was the beloved husband of Joan (nee Adams) for 46 years. Dear father of Bernard, Richard (wife Cindy), Patricia, and Gloria. Cherished grandfather of Nicole, Steven, James, Hanna and Nicholas . Dear brother of Horst Barth, Anton Barth, and Ingrid Barth (deceased). 34 years retired from US Army.
For more information about Willie, please see the Plain Dealer obituary.
All services and interment private.
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