Daniel Edward Schmitz, 38, of Belvidere, formerly of Lake in the Hills, passed away on October 3, 2026.
Daniel was born September 23, 1988, in Burlington, Wisconsin, the son of Robert J. Schmitz Sr. and Carol R. Slove. He graduated from Jacobs High School and went on to become a remarkably gifted welder, taking great pride in his craftsmanship and talent.
Danny had a love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed jet skiing and spending time at Powers Lake, where many wonderful memories were made. He had a great love for animals, especially his beloved dogs, Diesel and Danali, and his ducks, Quagmire , Dae Dae, and Smokey
Danny will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his compassionate heart, and his ability to bring a smile to everyone's face. He had a special way of making those around him laugh and feel loved. He was a devoted son, a loving uncle, a caring brother, and a loyal friend. His kindness, laughter, and unforgettable spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Danny is survived by his mother, Carol (Joseph) Kaminski; his father, Robert J. Schmitz Sr.; his siblings, Kenny Schmitz, Jerry (Theresa) Schmitz, Tammy (Brian) Lilly, Sheree (Mike) Boyle, Bobby (Heather) Schmitz, and Gina (Shaun) Sopher; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his sister, Mary; his nephew, William; and his beloved partner, Samantha.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a funeral service at 2:30 p.m., all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, Illinois. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to his family.
For further information, please contact DeFiore Funeral Home at 847-515-8772. Online condolences may be shared at www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Danny has, and will be, missed dearly. I’m pretty sure his finance is Sara and the obituary failed to recognize that.
Sara and friends, I am so sad to hear this! He was a great friend and fiance and will be missed by many!
Sheree and family- I am so sorry for your loss. Find peace in knowing that he has been reunited with Samantha. Love you all ❤️
Sara I am so sorry for yours and everyone’s loss. Keeping you all in my prayers
Sara, my heart goes out to you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. The love you shared with Danny will always matter and he loved you with his soul and you deserved to be recognized as such an important part of his life, that is truly disrespectful. Things happen for a reason and you two were meant to be together. In my mind you two already are husband and wife. Sending you love, strength, and prayers. I love you!! ❤️
Sara, I am so sorry for your loss. May his soul rest in peace.
Sara,our heart aches for you and we wish you peace and love as you grieve a life you didn’t get to finish off with your person. To have known love with your Danny and all of the things you two accomplished was truly something beautiful to be celebrated. All of our love and hugs! The Murray Family
Sara, You had so much love and devotion to Danny.. My heart breaks for you! May God guide you during this dark time. Keep his stories and your beautiful memories with him alive. As that’s all we have left when our loved one leave us.. Sending much love and prayers to you!
Danny will be deeply missed, he was an awesome friend. Sara, we will keep you in our prayers, as you shared a life with him, built a house, and memories with Danny over the last 8 years! My heart breaks for you! Love you!
We’re so sad for the loss. Danny was truly such a kind and wonderful man. We have wonderful memories enjoying summer in the beautiful oasis backyard you guys created. Danny will surely be missed. Love to everyone 💛
Sara, again I am so sorry for the loss of your fiancé. You two had built such a beautiful life together and had so many plans for the future. Sending you so much love. And it is truly unfortunate that whoever wrote this was disrespectful enough to not mention you. You are his person and I’m sorry certain people failed to recognize that. You did not deserve that.
Danny will be truly missed, we all love and miss him so much already, I can’t imagine how his fiancée who he built a life with the past 8 years didn’t make it in this obituary. I guess grief can make you say and do things you wouldn’t normally do, which is very unfortunate. Danny I will always remember the fun times together, your contagious laughter and goofy attitude. I will never forget the memories we shared and know we will meet again one day. Rest in peace, my friend. Sara please know you are always in my thoughts and prayers and I’m always here for you! 🫶🏻
Sara I’m so sorry and and saddened for your loss! Why your name was not put in his obituary is beyond disrespectful, even your fur babies were mentioned! If you need anything let me know, love you
My heart breaks for you Sara. You and Danny worked hard to build a life together.
Schmitz Family, I'm sorry for your tragic loss of Danny. He was so kind, thoughtful and loving. He would have given the shirt off his back to anyone in need. To those treating this as a tribute to his ex (this is not Facebook), it wasn't that she had failed to be recognized and I'd think as adults y'all would have the common sense to realize that. If you had any idea of the events that lead to his demise you wouldn't be so disrespectful to use her name where Danny is supposed to be honored/mourned. To Danny's mom, your words were well written and he would have been grateful to have heard them. My thoughts are with you all during this tragic time. With love, Stacey