Nathan Schmit

    Nathan John Schmit passed away unexpectedly on Saturday,  Jan. 11, 2020, at his Port Washington home.
    Nathan was born on Sept. 22, 1989, the only son of Jerome Klein and Tracy Schmit.
    Although Nathan had no siblings, he was never lonely. From the very start, his magnetic personality and infectious smile drew people to his side wherever he went. His grandpa George once said that he couldn’t drive Nathan a single block through Port Washington without the youngster having to open the car window to wave to a friend.
    Nathan grew up and attended school in Port Washington. Two of his most-loved after school activities were playing outdoors and spending time with the special people in his life. He burned up a lot of youthful energy snowmobiling, dirt-biking and four-wheeling with his cousins at his grandparents’ farm. Many weekends were spent on hunting and fishing trips with his grandpa John or working on cars with his dad. Family trips to Wisconsin Dells and the go-cart track were summertime favorites.
    Nathan’s love for socializing continued into his teenage years. Nathan was truly a people person and everyone enjoyed his company.  The popular teen was invited to numerous parties within his large circle of friends. It was at one of those gatherings, surrounded by friends, that Nathan made the one choice that he would forever regret. He chose to join in the experimentation with drugs. That single decision, made in the moment as a teenager, planted the seed of addiction, an illness that he would battle for the rest of his life.
    As Nathan entered adulthood, he became a very hard working man and a devoted companion to his girlfriend Cheyenne. Always the outdoorsman, he embraced the long hours and hard work of his construction and landscaping jobs.          With his strong work ethic and affable personality, he gained the respect of his longtime employer, who was understanding and supportive as Nathan battled his illness through the years.
    In the cold, early morning hours of Jan. 11, 2020, at the age of 30, despite his best efforts, Nathan lost his battle. The world lost a beloved son and grandson, cherished nephew, favorite cousin, best friend and valued employee.
    Nathan will be dearly missed by his mother Tracy Schmit (Kris Anderson), his father Jerome Klein (Candice Shafer), his girlfriend Cheyenne Smith, his grandfather John Schmit, his grandmother Mary Jane Klein, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his grandmother Darlene Schmit-Faust, his grandfather George Klein and his good friend Garrett Anderson.
    Funeral arrangements are pending with Eernisse Funeral Home and will be listed on its  website,  www.eernissefuneralhome.com.