Donald William 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 two.  

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 he 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 NFL 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 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 his sisters Marion and Cecelia.

He is survived by his wife Audrey of Scottsdale, Ariz., 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.

He also is survived by grandchildren Christine, Karin, Hailee, Jeremy, Jayme, Ariana, Nahla, Reilly, Kate, and Michael, and great-grandchildren Elizabeth and William.  

He is also survived by his sisters Ruth (Jim) and Barbara.

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

Due to current world events, an internment and celebration of life will be held at a later date in Port Washington, Wis.

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

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