Joseph V. Schott II, 93, of Williamsburg, died Jan 9, 2020 at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City surrounded by his loving family.
Joe was born Oct 29, 1926 in Cincinnati, OH the son of Joseph V and Sylvia Radel Schott.
He grew up in Terrace Park, OH and attended Terrace Park School.
On Sep 17, 1949, he married Roberta Havemann in Terrace Park, OH.
Joe served in WWII, a veteran of the US Army Air Corps and Air Force. He was crew chief of P-61 Black Widow Nightfighter known as "The Great Speckled Bird".
Upon returning from the service in 1947, Joe went to work at Cincinnati Bell Telephone Co. (CBT) as a lineman/ installer. He worked in various positions at CBT, including managing the security division and retired as a district plant manager with 36 years of service.
In 1986, he and his wife moved to Elk Rapids. For more than 30 years he was an elf with the mystery Santa who provided toys to the children of Cincinnati Children's Hospital... even after moving to Elk Rapids he returned to Cincinnati to help Santa. When Joe was Cammander of American Legion Post 237 he started the Children's Christmas Fund that still provides clothing and toys to children in need in the Clermont County, OH area.
Joe was also involved in many service organizations and positions within them: past Commander of American Legion Post 237, past president Kilgour Chapter Telephone PIoneers of America, 32nd Degree Mason, past Commander of Grand Traverse Bay Power Squadron, Telephone Pioneers of America, Milford Lodge No 54, F & AM, Syrian Shrine of Cincinnati, Valley of Cincinnati Scottish Rite. Alongside community involvement, Joe had many passions that included: fishing, boating, chair caning, and woodworking. Joe also enjoyed NASCAR, Michigan State University, and University of Michigan Athletics.
Joe is forever loved by his wife of 70 years, Roberta H. Schott; children, Vicki (Bob) Rafferty, Jay (Barb) and Brian; grandchildren, Janae (Travis) Beuerlein, Josh (Amanda) Schott, TJ (Anna) Rfferty, Jennifer Rafferty, Andy Schott and Kerry (Joe) Muddiman; great grandchildren, Logan, Parker and Isabelle Beuerlein, Harper and Tobin Rafferty and Joel Schott.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph V and Syliva Schott; brother, Vernon; sister, Vivan Beiser; and great grandson, Samuel Schott.
A memorial service and military honors for Joe will be held on Sat, Jan 25 at 11 am at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10 am and last until time of service.
