Donald Leo Schmit

Donald Leo Schmit “Don”, 86, was called home on December 26, 2018 surrounded by family. Don was born to the late Leo and Adeline (Krautkramer) Schmit on January 16, 1932 in Athens, Wisconsin. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Dubuque, IL with Rev. Dean Smith. Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. Monday at the church until time of service. Burial with military honors will be at a later date in Wisconsin. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.  

He met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Schauer in Sauk City, Wisconsin and they married in California on December 28, 1954. They proceeded to raise a family of 15 children that consisted of 9 boys and 6 girls. Along with his large family, Don was also very proud of his service in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Don was a jack of all trades having many careers during his lifetime and there were few things he couldn't fix. He spent his retirement helping his kids with home improvements and finding the perfect fishing spots. Don was the quintessential storyteller. He reminisced about flying his plane, being in the Navy, driving truck, how he met Betty, and his childhood shenanigans were some of his favorite stories to tell.

 Don is survived by his children: Randy (Donna) Schmit, Susan Hyatt, Mary Servia, Ronald (Terri) Schmit, Larry Schmit, Jeanne (Alex) Jones, Theresa (Curt Gerhard) Budde, Joseph Schmit, Jeffrey Schmit, Ann (Scott) Berry, Stephen (Tammy) Schmit, Donald (Shannon) Schmit, Brian (Josi) Schmit, brothers: Jerry (Emmita) Schmit, and John (Mary) Schmit, along with 35 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, son Stephen, daughter Nancy Meinholz, daughter-in-law Kathleen Schmit, sons-in-law; Walter Meinholz, Joseph Hyatt, Luke Buettell, and brothers Tom and Jim Schmit.

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