John George Schmit

John George Schmit was born Dec. 28, 1951, to Emmons and Florence Schmit in Port Washington, Wis. He passed away peacefully at his home in Osage, Minn., on Sept. 7, 2026, surrounded by the life and family he loved.

John graduated from Grafton High School and went into the family business of steel fabrication.

On Oct. 16, 1971, John married the love of his life, Patricia “Patti” Glander, in Saukville, Wis. Together, they built a life spanning nearly 55 years of marriage and raised four children: Steve, Amy, Jason and Jennifer.

In 1999, John and Patti moved to Elk River, Minn., where he started his own fabrication business that eventually merged with Gradient Technology. He continued working at Gradient Technology leading their fabrication business until his hard-earned retirement in 2015.

Retirement gave John more time to enjoy the place he loved most — his “cabin” in Osage. There, he spent his days hunting, fishing, woodworking and, most importantly, spending time with his beloved family. He took great pleasure in passing along what he knew, teaching his children and grandchildren the skills he believed they needed to become true “mountain men.”

John was known for his gruff personality, sharp intelligence, quick wit and perfectly timed comebacks. Beneath his tough exterior was a man deeply devoted to his family and the people he loved. He was unmistakably himself, always kept those around him on their toes and could make you laugh when you least expected it. John was truly a hoot, and his humor, presence and one-of-a-kind personality will be dearly missed.

John leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Patti; his four children, Steve (Jacky), Amy Carroll (Joe), Jason (Jenny), and Jennifer Schmit (Craig); eight grandchildren, Nicholas, Ethan, Spencer (Gillian), Zoe (Josh), Zane, Hudson, Marley and Harper; five siblings, Jeanne Bichler (Dave), Joyce Damerow, Joanne Laper, Jackie Lucas (Jeff) and Jeff (Carrie); and his sisters-in-law Dianne Schmit and Cathy Schmit.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emmons and Florence Schmit, his brothers Gerald and Joe and his brother-in-law Dennis Damerow.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Dacada, Wis. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and be followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. A reception will follow from 1 to 4  p.m. at the Random Lake Rod & Gun Club. W3315 Jay Rd., Belgium.

Rest in peace, John, dad, grandpa, brother and friend. We will love and miss you forever.