Dr. Milton G. Schmitt, Jr., 79, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully, Wednesday evening, April 8, 2020, surrounded by his family. Milton was born June 1, 1940, at Garfield Park Hospital in Chicago, IL, the son of Dr. Milton G. and Amelia F. (Henninger) Schmitt, Sr.

He married Judith C. Hansen on August 11, 1962, at Grace United Brethren Church in Chicago. This union would be blessed with three children and nine grandchildren. Milton and Judy made their spiritual home at Court Street United Methodist Church.

Milton graduated from North Central College and Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. He completed a one-year internship at Rockford Memorial Hospital followed by two years of service as a Captain in the United States Air Force in Grand Forks, ND. Milton finished both his Residency in Internal Medicine and his Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI, and returned to establish a private practice at Rockford Clinic in 1974. It was his privilege to work with the entire health care team of Rockford Clinic, Rockford Memorial Hospital, and Rockford Health System until his retirement in 2012, when he was serving as Chief Medical Officer of Rockford Health System. Throughout his career Milton served the community on the boards of Rockford Clinic, Rockford Memorial Development Foundation, Rockford Health Systems and Van Matre Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital and completed his service in 2017 as Chairman of the Board of Van Matre Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital.

Milton was a passionate gardener who got his hands dirty as much as possible. He shared his love of nature with his family, especially during summer trips to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Family always came first; some of his favorite times were sharing stories around the dinner table and playing tennis with the kids and grandkids.

Milton is loved and will be missed by many, especially his wife, Judy; children, David (Kimberly), John (Tammy); Son in-law, William Andersen; grandchildren, Michael, Eric, Hannah, Gabby, Wills, Alex and Ryan; and nieces and nephews. Milton is preceded in death by his parents; Judy's parents; daughter, Dr. Katherine A. Andersen; grandchildren, Katy and John Andersen; brothers, Paul and John Schmitt; and sister-in-law Betsy Schmitt.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court Street, Rockford, IL 61103, on Saturday, August 14, 2021, with a gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements by Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. To share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.