Charles Ernst “Chuck” Smittkamp

Charles Ernst “Chuck” Smittkamp, 85, of Port Washington died surrounded by the love of his family in the early hours of Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Lawlis Family Hospice.

He was born on Aug. 15, 1938, in Harbor Beach, Mich., to the late Charles and Thersa (Weber).

Chuck was known best for his unmatched quick wit, his colorful sense of humor and his ability to bring positive energy anywhere he went, whether it be a Kautzer family Christmas party, the Saukville YMCA or the local diners and coffee shops where he enjoyed studying Russian and catching up with his buddies.

A lifelong learner with a natural inclination to serve, Chuck graduated from Rufus King High School in Milwaukee after his family moved to Wisconsin earlier in his childhood.

In 1958, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served for four years as a missile officer.

He went on to earn his associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering and a law degree from LaSalle University in Illinois.

Chuck’s unique combination of aptitude and friendly disposition earned him positions with companies including Harley-Davidson, U.S. Steel and Caterpillar before he started his own consulting business, Quality Management Systems Inc., in the latter years of his career.

Chuck’s commitment to serve carried on through his tenure on the advisory boards for Portal Inc. and Lakeshore Technical College and as an adjunct instructor at MSOE.

More notably, however, his desire to help others was most rewarding in 1966 when he stopped to help two young ladies stranded with a flat tire.  One of those young ladies, Mary Kautzer, would soon-after become his wife of 55 years.

Chuck’s vast range of hobbies and interests throughout his life included racing cars and motorcycles, piloting small airplanes, studying taekwondo and road tripping around the country with Mary riding in the passenger seat.

In his quieter moments he enjoyed reading, sketching and painting, Mary’s cooking, Andy Griffith reruns, long walks and even longer drives.

Those left to cherish Chuck’s memories are his beloved wife Mary, his children Adam and Beth (Michael), his granddaughter Elowyn and his sister Barbara, along with many loving extended family members and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister Kay and his angel grandbaby Birdie Loraine.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lawlis Family Hospice for treating Chuck with dignity and for the care and compassion shown to his family in their time of need.

A casual open house honoring Chuck’s memory will be held at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave. in Cedarburg, on Sunday, July 14, from 1 to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck’s name to the MSOE Alumni Association, 1120 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI, or to Portal Industries Inc., 1015 Cedar Creek Rd., Grafton.

Eernisse Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smittkamp family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.

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Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074
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