Service Details
Visitation: in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a brat and potato salad from Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly, watch a game, and think of Tom.
Racine – Thomas John Schmitt, age 80, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, September 4, 2017. He was born July 9, 1937 to William and Regina (Poplowski) Schmitt.
He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1955. He worked at Oster Manufacturing where he met his future wife, Mickelan Jacquart. They wed on December 27, 1958 and had 3 daughters: Laura Lee (David) Dominguese, Suzanne (Don) Schmidt and Kathryn (Eric) Petersen. Tom went on to work at Case IH where he retired from in 1992.
Due to a Chronic case of Ants in the Pants, Tom was never one to sit still. He was an avid sportsman who loved fishing, hunting, bowling and golf. He enjoyed marching bands, Ritz Crackers, the Racine Raiders, karaoke and any type of family and friend gathering. He was happiest while watching his beloved Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. Being a lifelong resident of Racine and involved with many organizations like The Kilties, Salmon a Rama and many years of City League softball and volleyball, he had an uncanny knack for remembering names and faces. Tom never went anywhere without bumping into someone he knew. He always took a moment or two…(or ten!) to chat. Whether you knew it or not, he considered you a lifelong friend. Never one to shy away from work, he was always willing to lend a hand even at a moment’s notice.
He is survived by his 3 daughters, his 5 grandchildren of which he was incredibly proud: Theresa (Karl Stamm), Daniel (fiance, Sarah Worden) Paul Schmidt; Dana and Carmen Petersen and his brother David (Jane), and niece Jennifer (Steve) Spangler. He is also survived by his companion Bev Radtke, numerous friends and relatives and will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his ex-wife, Mickey (Jacquart) Schmitt.
A memorial gathering will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. We ask that you wear favorite Packer or Badger attire to celebrate your friendship with Tom (he’d really like that). In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a brat and potato salad from Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly, watch a game, and think of Tom.
Rochell Tate says
I am glad I had a chance to meet this nice gentleman. I was glad he told me, “my daughter used to be a mail carrier” I said “who” I think he said Laura then I said, “Laura Lee”? “That’s my friend , I love your daughter,yes I can see it,she looks like you”. He was so nice, he started telling me about when she was little….all this in line at work- really quick… we could have talked all day. When he left, I said aloud, ” Wow, he was sweet, Wow, Laura Lee dad” as i smiled. I say that to say, a chance encounter brightened my day and seeing he passed…. my prayers are with the family, such a nice man. God bless u & keep you all. Love always, Rochell.
Nancy Cadman says
Dear Laura,
So sorry for your loss. Now I know why you are the way you are, he seemed like a super Dad.
Larry Smet says
I happened to be on this site because a friend of mine’s mother’s passing. Was surprised to see Tom’s picture here. He was one of the few neighbors that I have had a number of conversations with……we talked about a little bit of everything, because he was such an easy guy to talk to….and very like-able… He had my back a couple of times this summer…..he called to let me know I had left my garage door open…..(that’s the kind of guy he was)….I guess I’m on my own now to be more careful….. So sorry to hear of his passing…….
Sandy Sorensen says
I was so sorry for loss. I’ll miss him on Tuesday’s at Castle Lanes. He always came to talk to Lennie and then make the rounds talking to us ladies. I’ll miss giving him my HUG. He was a Great Person. I send you my Prayers, Love and Hugs.
Sandy Sorensen (Al Sorensen)