Obituary for Allen Schmutzler
Allen John Edward Schmutzler, age 67, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.
Allen was born July 5, 1955, in Jefferson City, MO, the son of Monroe Jacob Harry and Lorraine Martha (Henry) Schmutzler. He was married on June 10, 1978, in Jefferson City, MO to Brenda J. Helmig and was blessed with his two children from this marriage. On July 27, 2002, in Jefferson City, MO, Allen married Barbara K. Nichols, who survives.
Allen was a 1973 graduate of Jefferson City High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Missouri – Rolla in 1977. Allen enjoyed an internship working with the State of Missouri helping with their technology needs during his college years.
Allen was a longtime IT consultant for International Business Machines (IBM). He began his career in December 1977 and retired in August 2021, after 43 years of dedicated service. During his tenure with IBM, he started as a computer programmer working in Rochester, MN, and moved back to Jefferson City to fulfill a role in systems engineering. He specialized in enterprise systems and web services, working closely with government entities and large private organizations throughout the world. Allen was always learning and passionate about keeping up with current technology. As his manager notes, “Allen was the epitome of the essential IBMer – he always brought value to every client and continuously kept his skills updated. In fact, the newer recruits on the team could rarely keep up with him.” Allen loved collaborating with his IBM colleagues to find innovative solutions to complex problems. Allen's manager continues, “He will be missed, but more importantly, he will be remembered for his strength and positive attitude in the face of any challenge.”
Allen possessed a strong faith and was a lifelong member of Central Church. He served the church in many roles: president of the church council, treasurer of the financial ministries, chairperson of the outreach committee, and expanded the audio-visual ministry. For nearly 25 years, he served as host of the church's “Coffee Hour”, where he enjoyed visiting with other members each week.
During his free time, Allen looked forward to time outdoors. He would provide an extra hand on the Schmutzler family farm helping work with the cattle or driving a tractor. Allen always had a vegetable garden, enjoyed tending to flower beds and landscaping at home. He loved organizing trips with his kids and high school friends. His family has fond memories of road trips to the United States National Parks and visiting the original Schmutzler family farm in Benk, Germany. He especially enjoyed the annual Memorial Day float trip with his closest friends for over 40 years.
With his soft-spoken demeanor and caring nature, he often mentored others to solve problems, was a good sounding board for many, and always showed empathy to others. He truly wanted to help others whether it was with work, church, or family. He will be remembered for his caring, thoughtful and humble ways.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Schmutzler; two children, Brock Schmutzler (Elicia) of Cerritos, CA, and Amber Schmutzler of Jefferson City, MO; three siblings, Diane Weiland (Reverend Keith) of Howards Grove, WI, Monty Schmutzler (Pam) of Jefferson City, MO, and Patti Schmutzler of Jefferson City, MO; three grandchildren, Nolan, Ethan and Emily Gonzales; former wife, Brenda Prouty; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Lorraine Schmutzler; an infant sister, Donna Sue Schmutzler; and in-laws, Bruce and Marian Nichols.
Visitation will be held at Central Church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Central Church with the Reverend Dr. Jason Abbott and Reverend Keith Weiland officiating.
A webcast of the service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Saturday for friends that are not able to attend by going to the "photos and videos" tab of this page and scrolling down to the webcasting link.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Goldschmidt Cancer Center or to Central Church of Jefferson City by mailing donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Allen was born July 5, 1955, in Jefferson City, MO, the son of Monroe Jacob Harry and Lorraine Martha (Henry) Schmutzler. He was married on June 10, 1978, in Jefferson City, MO to Brenda J. Helmig and was blessed with his two children from this marriage. On July 27, 2002, in Jefferson City, MO, Allen married Barbara K. Nichols, who survives.
Allen was a 1973 graduate of Jefferson City High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Missouri – Rolla in 1977. Allen enjoyed an internship working with the State of Missouri helping with their technology needs during his college years.
Allen was a longtime IT consultant for International Business Machines (IBM). He began his career in December 1977 and retired in August 2021, after 43 years of dedicated service. During his tenure with IBM, he started as a computer programmer working in Rochester, MN, and moved back to Jefferson City to fulfill a role in systems engineering. He specialized in enterprise systems and web services, working closely with government entities and large private organizations throughout the world. Allen was always learning and passionate about keeping up with current technology. As his manager notes, “Allen was the epitome of the essential IBMer – he always brought value to every client and continuously kept his skills updated. In fact, the newer recruits on the team could rarely keep up with him.” Allen loved collaborating with his IBM colleagues to find innovative solutions to complex problems. Allen's manager continues, “He will be missed, but more importantly, he will be remembered for his strength and positive attitude in the face of any challenge.”
Allen possessed a strong faith and was a lifelong member of Central Church. He served the church in many roles: president of the church council, treasurer of the financial ministries, chairperson of the outreach committee, and expanded the audio-visual ministry. For nearly 25 years, he served as host of the church's “Coffee Hour”, where he enjoyed visiting with other members each week.
During his free time, Allen looked forward to time outdoors. He would provide an extra hand on the Schmutzler family farm helping work with the cattle or driving a tractor. Allen always had a vegetable garden, enjoyed tending to flower beds and landscaping at home. He loved organizing trips with his kids and high school friends. His family has fond memories of road trips to the United States National Parks and visiting the original Schmutzler family farm in Benk, Germany. He especially enjoyed the annual Memorial Day float trip with his closest friends for over 40 years.
With his soft-spoken demeanor and caring nature, he often mentored others to solve problems, was a good sounding board for many, and always showed empathy to others. He truly wanted to help others whether it was with work, church, or family. He will be remembered for his caring, thoughtful and humble ways.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Schmutzler; two children, Brock Schmutzler (Elicia) of Cerritos, CA, and Amber Schmutzler of Jefferson City, MO; three siblings, Diane Weiland (Reverend Keith) of Howards Grove, WI, Monty Schmutzler (Pam) of Jefferson City, MO, and Patti Schmutzler of Jefferson City, MO; three grandchildren, Nolan, Ethan and Emily Gonzales; former wife, Brenda Prouty; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Lorraine Schmutzler; an infant sister, Donna Sue Schmutzler; and in-laws, Bruce and Marian Nichols.
Visitation will be held at Central Church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Central Church with the Reverend Dr. Jason Abbott and Reverend Keith Weiland officiating.
A webcast of the service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Saturday for friends that are not able to attend by going to the "photos and videos" tab of this page and scrolling down to the webcasting link.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Goldschmidt Cancer Center or to Central Church of Jefferson City by mailing donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.