Gene W. Schmit

Port Washington businessman Gene W. Schmit made his mark on the county in myriad ways — by helping area residents buy and sell their homes, running auctions for businesses and individuals and contributing to the many business and community organizations he belonged to.
    It was a legacy Mr. Schmit was proud of, one he inherited from his father Michael, who taught him the art of auctioneering and the business of real estate.
    The two founded and ran M.J. Schmit and Son Realtor and Auctioneers for many years.
    After Mr. Schmit’s father died, the business was renamed Gene W. Schmit Realtor and Auctioneer, and today is known as Schmit Realty, which has offices in Grafton and Port Washington.
    “When his sons (Rick and Randy) took over, he took a lot of pride in the fact they were the third generation,” Mr. Schmit’s son Robb said.
    Mr. Schmit’s father founded Schmit’s Ballroom in Grafton, and he and his son ran it for many years. After his father died, Mr. Schmit bought out the other family members and ran it on his own until the business closed.
    The secret to Mr. Schmit’s success was his character, his son said.
    “He was just a genuine and caring person,” he said. “He had an ability to meet people and help them through situations in an honest way.”
    He cited one man who told family members that Mr. Schmit owned his house for five hours — the man was a pastor who didn’t make it back from Fennimore after a funeral to make the closing on his home. Mr. Schmit bought the house for the man, then sold it to him hours later.
    “How many people would do that for someone?” his son asked.
    Mr. Schmit died Thursday, Dec. 14, at his home on Westwood Drive in Grafton. He was 82.
    A Grafton native, he was born on Feb. 18, 1935, to Michael and Sally Schmit.
    He attended St. Joseph Parish School and Grafton High School, where he was involved in the drama and discussion clubs as well as the baseball, basketball and six-man football teams.
    Mr. Schmit’s love of baseball followed him into adulthood, when he watched and cheered his sons and later when he played in the Ozaukee County Senior Softball League in Grafton.
    “Some guys like to go hunting or fishing. I like to play ball,” Mr. Schmit told Ozaukee Press in 2010. “I wouldn’t give it up unless I’m injured or can’t breath.
    “I enjoy it. There’s a lot of talk and good fun. We have a lot of laughs, and there’s a lot of kidding.”
    After Mr. Schmit stopped playing softball for health reasons, he coached a team.
    “He just wanted to be with the boys,” his son said.
    Mr. Schmit was also a dancer who loved to polka. He met his future wife Rosemary Rickinger on the dance floor of the Nightingale Ballroom in Menomonee Falls. The couple married at St. Dominic’s Church in Marcy on Nov. 3, 1956.
    He was active in many community organizations — among them the Port Washington and Grafton Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Club and Lions Club —  and recognized by them for his contributions, and he also worked to support veterans groups and first responders.
    “He was passionate about honoring the people who serve the community,” his son said.
    But, his family said, more than his accomplishments, he was proud of his family.
    Like his father did with him, Mr. Schmit instilled business sense and ethics in his three sons, who then passed those on to their children, his family said.
    “Gene was a modest man yet most prideful about his children and grandchildren,” his family noted. “He frequented and supported their activities every chance he had.”
    Mr. Schmit was a humble and generous Christian man who enjoyed polkas and softball, his family said.
    Mr. Schmit is survived by his wife Rosemary of Grafton; sons Rick (JoAnn) and Robb (Stacy), both of the Town of Grafton, daughter-in-law Conny Schmit of the Town of Grafton; grandchildren Tyler (Katy), Matthew, Nick, Aaron (Alexandria), Andrew and Alyssa; and two great-granddaughters.
    He is further survived by his sisters Bette Ott and JoAnn (Richard) Paulus, both of Grafton.
    Mr. Schmit was preceded in death by his son Randy and brother-in-law Phil Ott.
    A Mass of Christian burial for Mr. Schmit was held Monday, Dec. 18, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grafton. Father Mike Barrett officiated.
    Interment was in St. Joseph Cemetery, Grafton.
    Memorials are suggested to the Grafton Lions Club, Alzheimer’s Association or the  American Cancer Society.
    Funeral arrangements were handled through Poole Funeral Home, Port Washington.