John Michael Schmitt II

John Michael Schmitt II of Carmel, Indiana unexpectedly passed away at home on Sunday, October 17 at the age of 76. John led a full, rich life. He was a loving husband, dedicated father, devoted grandfather and loyal friend.

John was born in Louisville on March 28,1945 to the late Leonard and Betty Schmitt. He was a graduate of St. X High School and Bellarmine University. He was a founding member of “The Farm Inc,” a Louisville social club housed in an old family farmhouse. On the farm, rented from his father, John facilitated fellowship and fun that would result in stories for the ages, some of which will go to the grave with him. John went on to bravely serve his country as an Army National Guard Officer in Vietnam. After returning, he married the love of his life and wife of 51 years, Mary Pat (Carrico). He retired after more than 30 years with Kraft Foods Company.

John and Mary Pat moved their family to Carmel on Derby weekend in 1985. Through three decades of monthly euchre parties, they established beautiful and lasting friendships in their neighborhood. To appease Mary Pat, John had recently been learning to play bridge - a hobby not among the things he’s likely to miss. John was also a founding member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Carmel. As a parishioner, he was active on the parish council, in the Knights of Columbus and the Haiti ministry.

One of his greatest joys in life was his grandchildren. Papaw loved to spend time watching Mickey Mouse with a grandkid or two on his lap, driving the boat with little co-pilots, watching his grandkids shine in sports and activities, and just watching the kids run and play. John also enjoyed long, frequent trips to the grocery, bird watching, and intensely watching Jeopardy each night. While he wore suits out of necessity before retirement, his wardrobe for the last 20 years consisted exclusively of plaids and flannels. John’s stories and witty sense of humor could fill a room with laughter. “Are you serious, John?!” was a common response to a story told by him -- nine times out ten he was not.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary and Elizabeth, and grandson John James. John is survived by his wife Mary Pat; Children Lisa (Butch) Thomas of Greenfield, Michael (Darcie) Schmitt of Fishers, Carrie (Richard) Bernhardt of Carmel, and Lauren (Richard) Rush of Indianapolis; 12 beloved grandchildren; his siblings, Ann (Morton) Kasdan, Paul (Ann) Schmitt, and Alan (Linda) Schmitt; and his brothers-in-law Jim (Pat) Carrico and David (Bonnie) Carrico.

Visitation will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Carmel, IN from 5 to 7pm on Friday, October 22, followed by a Rosary led by Father Joseph Moriarty at 7pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Saturday, October 23 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, where family and friends are invited to gather from 9am until the time of the Mass. Father Brian Dudzinski will preside over the funeral Mass. A short graveside ceremony will follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s honor can be made to the Haiti Fund at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice.