Joey Schutz

Joseph Travis Schutz was born in Fillmore, UT on November 19, 1976. He died peacefully in his sleep, at my home, in Pleasant Grove, Utah, on March 17, 2019. He had moved here temporarily to be of help and comfort to me (his mother) and younger brother following the death of his step-father.

"When the doctor placed my newborn baby on my chest, Joey immediately kicked his legs and flipped over. Astounded the doctor exclaimed, “Newborns don't move like that.”

“Well mine did!” I'd said. Little did we know, how active this child would be from that moment on.Turbo son, he could never do anything slow. He practically inhaled his food, played hard and worked with incredible speed. “Joey's one of the sharpest ball players on his team,” his coach once told me. “No ball ever gets past him.”

He tasted, breathed and lived life amid a flurry of bumps, thumps and scrapes, all the while avoiding most cataclysmic events. He loved his friends and family with fierce intensity and above all his most cherished treasures, his wife and children.

A peacemaker, he could charm his way into all kinds of situations, a light to many of his friends who were struggling to break free from dark places. When he noticed someone needing help, he gave with unconditional love, never asking nor accepting paybacks or returns.

Over the years, Joey has been able to provide a comfortable living for himself and his family working as a Heavy Machine Operator. One of his employers remarked they had never had a faster, harder worker than Joey.

I'm sure his siblings will miss the water fights, smart come backs, and goodhearted jostling as he spared with them. Using his sharp wit, he often teased to the point I worried he might lose a limb.

His passing has left a giant hole in our hearts. It's only savoring those sweet memories that will help us heal. Yes, it's going to take some time and while we grieve he will be standing near us watching and saying, "don't worry about me, I'm fine – everything will be okay."

Before going down to his room to sleep he stood at the foot of the stairs and peered over the railing at me. “Mom, I sure love you!” he'd said. It's as though he knew I needed to know.

In sorrow he leaves his grieving wife, Tara, son Easton and daughter Avery, mother Connie, sisters, Steffi, Kirsten, Martha, Stacie, brothers Adam and Mikey as well as the many step-siblings who loved and cared about him also.

Waiting to welcome him on the other side of the veil will be his stepson, Harley, step-sister Susie, father Tom, and cousin Sandi; also Nana and Granddaddy, Grandmother Weed, Aunt Darlene, Uncle Loren and many other beloved aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

The viewing will be held on Saturday, March 30th from 9-10:30 am in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 108 east center street in Meadow, Utah - the small community where Joey grew up. Following the family prayer, his funeral will begin at 11:00 am. Internment will be at the Meadow cemetery. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved father who, in many ways was so much like him.

We appreciate all of your love and support during this difficult time. The thing Joey wanted most for his children, was for them to know how much he loved them. In lieu of flowers, please consider helping his wife and children in some way. We rest in the assurance that because of the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we will see Joey again. Until then, we pray we can feel his loving spirit near.