Richard F. Schmitt

Richard Fredrick Schmitt, 84, of 1643 Andrae Circle entered peacefully into eternal life at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice on Saturday, August 27th, 2011. At the time of his passing he was surrounded by his loving family and the gentle embrace of the Lord.

Born on July 7th, 1927 in Sheboygan he was the son of Robert and Marcella (Rosenthal) Schmitt of Sheboygan, WI.

On August 4th, 1951 Richard and Shirley Mae Meyer were united in marriage at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. Richard and Shirley raised a wonderful family of six children and were members of St. Clements and St. Peter Claver Parishes.>

Richard served in the U.S. Navy Sea Bees during WWII and was stationed at Iroquois Point, Hawaii where he worked on rebuilding Pearl Harbor after the bombing. After serving his nation during one of the most memorable times in American history, Richard continued to make his own history through his amazing gift in building fantastic structures. He worked for both Joseph Schmitt and Sons and Quasius Construction Companies. Richard’s highlights were being a critical member of the leadership team that built the American Club in Kohler, WI, the only AAA Five Diamond Resort Hotel in the Midwest. He later served as project manager for many of Herb Kohler’s projects, most notably Whistling Straights Golf Course and the Riverbend Mansion located in Kohler, WI. >

Richard and Shirley enjoyed landscaping their yard together in the spring and during the summer. He also enjoyed golf and when he wasn’t on the course, he could be found watching the golf channel on TV. He enjoyed quality time with grandchildren and friends celebrating holidays, birthdays, and other special events. He also loved getting an early start each day and meeting his friends for breakfast at BJ’s Restaurant. Richard loved golf, a good joke, and the game of football. Richard's magnetic personality was best seen during the summer months when he would grill out for social events with neighbors, friends and family. He took great pride in his profession and his first class workmanship will be enjoyed by generations to come while they visit the greater Sheboygan and Kohler areas. >

Richard’s wife, Shirley, passed away on August 23rd, 2007 after her valiant battle with cancer. Richard is survived by his six children, Debbie Schmitt (David) of Silt, CO, Richard J. Schmitt (Irene), of Sheboygan, WI, Sandra Stoelb (Jeff), of Sheboygan, Diane Schmitt (Al) of Vancouver, WA, Daniel Schmitt (Marlene), of Houlton, WI and Joseph Schmitt (Nancy) of Hudson, WI; 15 grandchildren, Kelly Farrell, William Christopher Shackleton, Tosten Schmitt, Natalie Schmitt, Mirella Illarramendi, Willy Illarramendi, Andre Schmitt, Becky Stoelb, Dan Stoelb, Craig Stoelb, Dave Stoelb, Jamie Braithwaite, Sam Schmitt, Kyle Schmitt, Drew Schmitt; five great grandchildren; Leslie Altamirano, Dyanarah Altamirano, Camryn Prater, Paige Daniels, and Katelynn Ann Farrell; sisters, Marlene Dickman and Barbara Jurk, brother, Tommy Schmitt (Mary); and sister-in-law, Loretta Schmitt; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marcella and Robert Schmitt, wife, Shirley, brother, Donald Schmitt; and two brothers-in-law, Harold Jurk and David Dickman.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Ballhorn Chapels. Pastor Andy Hopp will be the officiant. A time of visitation and support will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Memorial Hospital, The Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, and The Sheboygan Progressive Care Center who provided loving and caring support prior to his passing. Their wonderful medical care, compassion and support have been a blessing and your efforts are sincerely appreciated by the Schmitt family. >

Richard’s infectious smile, can do attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and willingness to support others will remain his legacy. “Schmitty” as he was lovingly known, was both thankful and fortunate to have created such beauty, both in terms of his family and within his craft. Richard’s indomitable spirit and good sense of humor will forever be etched into the hearts and minds of those he loved and came to know.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name for Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.