Donald Schmit

With profound sadness, we announce that Donald William Schmit, previously of Port Washington, entered his heavenly home on Good Shepherd Sunday, May 3, 2020, at the age of 93.

After graduating from high school, Donald served in World War II as a radio operator in the 24th Infantry Division (Taro Division, “First to Fight”).

After the war, Don came home to Port and married his wife of 68 years, Audrey (née Cherny). He was an amazing father of six, grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of four.  

He worked for his father John L. Schmit and took over the family business, Columbia Garage, with his brother Elmer in 1960.  

Donald loved sports and as a season ticket holder followed his beloved Green Bay Packers in Milwaukee and Green Bay with his brother-in-law Frank “Puch” Pujanauski.

They both were at the 1967 National Football League championship game in Green Bay, “The Ice Bowl,” and came away with a couple of pieces of the goalposts as souvenirs.

After he retired to Arizona, he and Audrey were faithful fans of Major League Baseball spring training, collecting numerous autographs for his kids and grandkids.

He and Audrey took many trips in their RV, driving around the countryside to visit their kids and grandkids during the summer months, eventually moving to Scottsdale permanently.  

Donald was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Kiwanis and the Knights of Columbus. He was a Scout leader for the St Mary’s and St Peter’s Boy Scout troop, and proudly watched as two of his sons became the first Eagle Scouts in their troop.

He was preceded in death by his father John L., mother Cecelia, brothers Elmer and Robert and sisters Marion, Cecelia and Ruth.  

He is survived by his wife Audrey of Bellevue, Neb.; his children Gregory (Cathie) of Bellevue Neb., Mark (Marion) of Toronto, Ontario, Jeffrey of Lakeville Minn., Larry of Washington, D.C., Donna (Scott) of Williamsburg Va., and Karl (Kathy) of West Chester Penn.; his grandchildren Christine, Karin, Hailee, Jeremy, Jayme, Ariana, Nahla, Reilly, Kate and Michael; and great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Harrison, William, and Skylar.

 He is also survived by his sister Barbara.

 Donald lived a full life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  

On Saturday, May 29, 2021, a visitation from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will be held at Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington, Wis., followed by a 1 p.m. service at St. John’s XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, also in Port Washington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hydrocephalus Association (www.hydroassoc.org) in Donald’s name.