40-Year Supplier Exec, Navy Veteran, Passes Away

Jim Schmidtkunz, 65, a vice president of national accounts for Washing Systems, Loveland, OH, passed away on Feb. 12, after a long illness.

Schmidtkunz dedicated more than 40 years to the commercial laundry industry. He began his career in Los Angeles with Proctor & Gamble in 1975 after serving in the he U.S. Navy, where he earned the rank of captain.

He joined Washing Systems in the late ’90s, where he held the titles of division manager, group vice president, and vice president of national accounts. Throughout his tenure, Schmidtkunz worked on accounts all along the West Coast, in his native Milwaukee, and in Chicago and Cincinnati. Customers and colleagues alike held him in the highest esteem for his relentless dedication to service, his tireless work ethic and his respect for all whom he encountered.

Schmidtkunz will be remembered as a friend and mentor, devoted to his parish community and proud of his service during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Habeck, sons Christopher and Michael; a daughter Jeanne (Thomas); a granddaughter Ella; brothers Thomas (Virginia) and William (Charlene) and sisters Barbara and Kathryn; and a niece, Hattie Marie. For more information or to make a donation in Schmidtkunz’ memory, click to http://www.oconnormortuary.com/obituaries/James-Schmidtkunz/.