Joseph Christopher Schmitt was born January 6, 1955 in Yakima, WA, to Donna and Don Schmitt. Joe grew up in a large family where faith was taught & lived. He attended St. Paul’s Grade School with seven siblings. Holidays and birthdays were always special & shared with extended family, including grandparents. He was fond of family trips to Sun Lakes, the beaches & the mountains where Dad taught us all how to fish.
Joe attended Eisenhower High School, then joined the Army as a crew chief for helicopter maintenance at Ft. Lewis for 3 years. He was honorably discharged in 1975.
He worked several jobs in Yakima & later moved to the Naches area working as a Master Millwright. Joe had a very strong work ethic. Here he found his lifelong friendships including a special lady, “Karen.” Many thanks to all Joe’s friends for all the love & support you have shown him through the years.
Fishing and boating were favorite pastimes with big brother Marc & friends. So many tales to tell.
Joe had a heart of gold. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.
He will be so missed.
He was preceded in death by his father Don J. Schmitt, his mother Donna M. Schmitt, sister Mary Schmitt, grandparents William and Victoria Huntington, and William and Mamie Schmitt.
Survived by his companion Karen, siblings Marc Schmitt, Patti (Steve) Alegria, Don (Polly) Schmitt, Theresa (Dennis) Hoff, Ginnie (Dave) Alegria, and Wayne Schmitt. Also many nephews and nieces & great nephews and nieces.
There will be a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery on Saturday, August 11th at 10:00 am.
To share a memory of Joseph please visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.
