John H. “Jack” Schmitz

With great sadness the family of John H. (Jack) Schmitz announces his passing on Sunday, May 26th, 2024. Jack was born October 10, 1935 in St. Paul, MN, the third oldest child of Henry and Gertrude (Mielke) Schmitz.  He attended St. Bernard’s Catholic school in St. Paul until second grade, when his family moved to Almena, WI where he was raised on the family farm. He completed his primary education at Anderson and Sacred Heart Catholic schools in Almena, WI and graduated from Barron High School in 1954. He then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956 and served overseas until 1958, when he was honorably discharged.

Jack married Marian Wisti on October 28,1961 in Coon Valley, WI. They moved to Glenwood City, WI and began raising their six children. He worked for Northern States Power for 35 years, retiring in 1998 as the primary lineman/troubleman for Glenwood City. Our phone would ring off the hook every time the power went out.

Jack’s faith was key in his life. He was a member of St John the Baptist Catholic church for over 60 years. He was an usher, recited the rosary before mass, a member of the choir which led to cantoring and adoration. He was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4954, Glenwood City, WI. Always willing to volunteer for ditch clean-up, the Tootsie Roll drive and a familiar face at the KC fair stand peeling potatoes and working the register.

Jack loved to fish. You could often find him at the Huvila (cabin) on Lake Magnor boot, boat or ice fishing. Mom especially loved it when he would clean the fish on the deep freeze in the basement (what a scaly mess!). He also loved to tinker in his basement workshop, making crosses to celebrate First Communion, Confirmation and weddings. He enjoyed making birdhouses that he insisted “no bird would ever live in”, and cracking jar upon jar of black walnuts (with the occasional shell) for Mom to use in baking. Three last loves, baseball, pie and Happy Hour. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Marian, his parents, brother Dave (Lorraine), and brothers-in-law Bob Gamache and Ralph Kolstad. 

He is survived by his children, Julie (Joe) Berends, Glenwood City, WI; Janet (Jeff) Mortenson, Duluth, MN; Amy (Todd) Root, Tucson, AZ; Henry (Lorrie) Schmitz, Maple Grove, MN; Peter (Kellie) Schmitz, LaCrosse, WI; Anthony (Jenny) Schmitz, Batavia, IL. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Nick (Debbie), Timmy and Kenny Berends;  Kathy (Adrian), Lainey and Gavin Potting; Marcus Berends;  Emily and Ryan Schmitz; Kimberly, Molly and Sophia Schmitz; Evelyn and Sydney Schmitz. Sisters Theresa (Ron) Seeger, Mary Jean Kolstad, Anna Mae Gamache and Patricia (Elmer) Sommerfield, and many friends, relatives and special neighbors.

Friends may call at the Anderson Funeral Home Glenwood City on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. a prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Glenwood City with Fr. John Long as celebrant. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Almena, WI.