John Schmitt

Born February 3, 1920 in Milwaukee, WI. Went peacefully to be with his Heavenly Father on March 26, 2018, at the age of 98 years. Beloved husband of the late Gertrude (nee Strelka) and the late Anna (nee Bolard). Dear father of James "Luigi" (Sue), Jane (Gareth) Gordon, John J. (Marianne) and the late Jeff "Spyder" (Laurie) Schmitt. Loving grandfather of Jenny (Andy) Nyquist, Bill, Tim Schmitt and Ann Arneson, Kristina (Robert) Gromala, Diana (Travis) Stahle and Mark (Heather) Gordon, Tara (Kurt) Kielblock, the late Jenna, Michael and Kelsey Schmitt. Dear step-father of Susan Mezouane and Monica (Todd) Kohlman. Further survived by great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his two sisters, Dolly and Mary. John was a well known and respected labor leader. His goal in life was to help working women and men. John was the president of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO from 1966 to 1986. Visitation Satruday, April 7, from 9-10:30 AM at St. Anne's Salvatorian Campus Chapel, 3800 N. 92nd St., with a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Workforce Institute, c/o Wisconsin AFL-CIO, 6333 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, 53213, Mental Health America of Wisconsin, 600 W. Virginia St., Suite 502, Milwaukee, 53204, St. Anne's Salvatorian Campus or to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) would be appreciated. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Anne's for their loving care of John and his family.