David Schmitt

David T. Schmitt, 91, passed away January 4, 2021 after a brief illness.  Dave was born July 1, 1929 in Madison to Kenneth and Carol (Docken) Schmitt.  On October 19, 1957, he married Elaine Runde at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.  Elaine’s untimely death in 1993 left a hole in his heart and we take comfort in knowing that they are now reunited.

Dave was raised in the Greenbush neighborhood and on the Isthmus, graduating from Central High School in 1947.  He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Military Police Company of the First Calvary Division during the Korean Conflict.  He was honorably discharged in 1953 and often recalled that there wasn’t a dry eye on the ship when they returned to the States, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge on New Year’s Day. Being a proud Madisonian, he liked to add that this was the same day the Badgers were making their first Rose Bowl appearance. In 2017, he had the privilege of visiting the memorials in Washington D.C. with the Badger Honor Flight accompanied by his grandson-in-law and fellow military veteran Brian Safford.

Dave had a passion for sailing, both competitively and for pleasure. He spent many, many hours on Lake Mendota and Lake Wingra, and also sailed on the Great Lakes with his brother.

After retirement, Dave quietly and selflessly helped others by volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, ushering at Blessed Sacrament Church, and supporting numerous veteran organizations.  He was also a regular American Red Cross blood donor.

Dave was a kind and gentle soul who greeted you with a warm smile (and a cold beer).  He lived a simple and humble life and found great joy in spending time with family and friends.  He never turned down an opportunity to stop at the Plaza Tavern.  He loved watching Badger, Packer, and Brewer games. Until his eyesight prohibited it, he enjoyed reading and working the daily crossword puzzles. He was an expert at taking things apart and putting them back together.

Dave will be sadly missed by his children, Karen (Randy) Richter, Mary (Bob) Parsons, John, and Brian (Ellie) Schmitt; grandchildren Kristi (Brian) Safford, Jamie (Brad) Meyer, Tom Parsons, Scott (Hannah) Parsons, Drew (Bailey) Parsons, Sarah, Elise, and Julia Schmitt; great grandsons Eli and Colton Meyer.  He is further survived by his brother Kenneth F. Schmitt, Jr., plus numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family funeral and burial are planned.  Memorials may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 259686, Madison, WI  53725-9686 or Blessed Sacrament Parish. The family would like to thank the staff members of New Perspective Senior Living, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Sun Prairie Health Care Center, and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care of our father and grandfather.

“When someone you love moves on from you it feels like your ship has sailed while you are still standing at the docks.” Fair winds forever, Dad.