Obituary: Donald Jerome Schmidt

Donald Jerome Schmidt, age 92, of Kaukauna, formerly of Askeaton, was called to his heavenly home on June 16, 2026. He was born on August 23, 1933. Don was raised by his Grandma (Mary Timmers Schmidt), whom he knew as Ma. His childhood was shaped by farm chores, working the fields with teams of horses, and sharing the load with his nine siblings. Don leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family.

Don was drafted into the Army near the end of the Korean War. He became close friends with cook, Leonard Reisterer, whose ice-cream pies helped pass the long evenings away from home.  They remained close with many hunting trips across the US.

On November 14, 1955, he married a classmate from St. Francis Catholic School in Hollandtown, Margaret Brooks. Together they raised seven children on a hobby farm near Askeaton. Don taught his children the value of hard work through chores, responsibilities, and leading by example.  Sundays were sacred for family activities such as snowmobiling (Member of Countryside Snow Riders), various ball games, dirt bike riding, eating chicken dinners and Sunday drives.   They shared 55 years of marriage before her death in 2011.

Don worked for his father-in-law, Mike Brooks, with Brooks Oil Company in Dundas. He eventually bought the company with Clifford VandeYacht and expanded it to a full-service gas station, delivery service and maintenance shop on County D in Hollandtown. 

Don took an early retirement and moved up north to God’s Country, Crooked Lake.  He recovered from Lyme disease and became active in the community. He fought fires as a volunteer firefighter, cleared roads after storms, replaced road signs, cleaned the public beach and monitored the dump site.  Faith was an important part of Don's life. He sang with the men’s choirs in both Hollandtown and Askeaton and served as an usher in Crooked Lake.

Don loved a good card game and was always willing to play if there was a chance to win a few nickels! Whether it was cribbage, bingo, dominoes or sheepshead, he enjoyed the competition and camaraderie. He even had one perfect sheepshead hand!   He and Marge enjoyed spending many winters as snowbirds in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  They made a lot of friends through the Wisconsin Club, walking the beach and playing games at the community center.

Don is survived by his children: Bernard (Dorri) Schmidt, Susan (David) Schnell, Timothy Schmidt, Donna (Jerry) Franczek, Guy Schmidt, and Peter Schmidt; his grandchildren: Benjamin (Jennifer) Schmidt, William Schmidt, Adam (Sarah) Schnell, Kathleen (Jason) Klug, Justin Schnell (special friend Ashley Schneider), Kimberley Schnell (special friend Jason Hainy), Elliot Franczek (fiancée Gianna Gemignani-Valoe), Leslie (Siva) Shankar, Everett Franczek, Garrett Franczek, Brooke (Jesse) Klonowski, and Sheila (Brock) Miller; step grandchild, Jesse Chase; and 12 great grandchildren: Brodie, Alivia, Dominque, Christina, Alicia, Matthew, Marina, Theodore, Chloe, Reese, Brinley and Colton.  Don is further survived by his sister-in-law, Dorothy Schmidt, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his wife, Margaret, Don was preceded in death by their son, Mark Schmidt; his siblings: Rosella (Harry) Packowski, Genevieve (Wiss) Schuh, Evelyn (Herman) Nehring, Marie (Earl) Hackbarth, Harriet (Tom) Christianson, Willard Schmidt, Alphonse Schmidt, Theresa (Victor) Holewinski, and John (Nancy) Schmidt; his parents-in-law, Michael and Delia (Driessen) Brooks; and his siblings-in-law: Bernard Brooks, Marion (Royce) McNew, and Doris Brooks.

Don’s funeral was held on June 19, 2026, at St. Clare Parish – St. Patrick Askeaton Campus.  He was buried in the parish cemetery.  To sign the guestbook, please visit oconnellfh.com. In lieu of flowers (“you can’t eat flowers!”), please consider donating to your local fire department or a cancer charitable organization.

The family thanks St. Paul Villa and Theda Care at Home Hospice for Dad’s care during his cancer journey.

O’CONNELL

FUNERAL HOME

1776 E. Main Street

Little Chute  920-788-6237