Joseph V. Schott II, 93, of Williamsburg, MI died January 9, 2020 at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, MI, surrounded by loving family.

Joe was born October 29, 1926 in Cincinnati, OH the son of Joseph V. and Sylvia Radel Schott. He grew up in Terrace Park, Ohio and attended Terrace Park School. On September 17, 1949, he married Roberta Havemann in Terrace Park, Ohio. Joe served in World War II, a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps/Air Force. He was crew chief of a 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, MI. 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 Commander 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. & A.M., Syrian Shrine of Cincinnati, Valley of Cincinnati Scottish Rite, and Cherryland Amateur Radio Club. 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, T.J. (Anna) Rafferty, Jennifer Rafferty, Andy Schott, and Kerry (Joe) Muddiman; great-grandchildren Logan, Parker and Isabelle Beuerlein, Harper and Tobin Rafferty and Joel Schott.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph V. and Sylvia Schott, brother Vernon, sister Vivian Beiser, and great-grandson Samuel Schott.

A memorial service and military honors for Joe will be held on Saturday, January 25th at 11 a.m. at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and last until the time of service. Those unable to attend Joe's service in person may do so online at www.rjfh.tv

Those wishing to make a gift of remembrance in Joe's name are asked to consider The Children's Christmas Fund, PO Box 62065, Cincinnati, OH 45262 or Munson Healthcare Hospice, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Visit Joe's tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

Joe and his family are in the care of the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.