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Thomas H. Schmidtetter
Thomas H. Schmidtetter, 98, of Anna Maria, died March 16.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army and upon graduating from Phillipsburg High School in New Jersey, he was sent to Fort Bragg for basic training, and then on to France, south of Paris, where he was assigned to the 601st Field Artillery Battalion. He joined the unit in Peira Cava, in the Maritime Alps, where they operated with pack mules carrying 75mm Howitzers.
The battalion was eventually stationed in Obersalzberg, Germany, living in SS barracks below Hitler’s bombed-out Eagle’s Nest when the war in Europe ended in May 1945.
After the war, his thirst for knowledge led him to enroll in evening and night classes in subjects ranging from English and philosophy to computer programming.
His early talent in drafting led to work with the New York Central Railroad, drawing track and signal layouts. He later became a heavy equipment mechanic and then service manager at a facility in Vestal, New York. Eventually, he moved to Florida and joined the Central Florida Caterpillar dealership, where he established its first oil analysis lab for heavy equipment. As technical services department manager, he was responsible for warranty operations, service training, oil testing, and technical communication with the factory.
He married Mary Lou Schmidtetter and raised their three sons in Endicott, New York, enjoying summer vacations at the Jersey Shore.
Later in life, he built a home in Anna Maria, reflecting his love of the water. He enjoyed woodworking, home design, restoring his 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang and reading. He and wife Sylvia shared a passion for travel, often retracing the footsteps of his wartime service.
A private interment service was held April 24 at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Mr. Schmidtetter is survived by Sylvia, his wife of 49 years; sons Wayne of Tampa and William of North Port; stepchildren Linda Seifried and Savannah; Cheryl and husband Don Roberts of Sarasota, and David Hill of California; and 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.