Obituaries

Michael Paul Schmitt, 72 of Eau Claire passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Duluth, Minnesota.

Michael was born on May 30th, 1953, in Lancaster, California to Martin Schmitt and Hedwig Frieda Schmitt/ Jünger. Surviving siblings, Virgina Gorney, Martin and Carlo Schmitt.

Micheal, born in Lancaster and raised in Palmdale California, was the middle brother of three. Mike enjoyed his family and friends. He loved to be part of the fun of all the things swimming, fishing, parks, baseball and football. Oh, the fun we had at Disneyland and Magic Mountain. No ride scared him! All in. He loved the ocean, Mountains, and yes Mike and I shredded some ski slopes together.
Mike served in the Army in both the infantry and artillery. He had many experiences with howitzers which resulted in hearing loss later in life. He served in Germany for a few years then after re-enlisting, in the demilitarized zone in South Korea. His South Korea service is what led to Mike having huge medical problems from agent orange, COPD, heart failure and other serious complications.
After coming home from service, Mike became an Owner/Operator for Griley Freightlines, an Air Freight Trucking Company at LAX. Later, he worked in the Auto parts department for several auto dealerships.

In the 2000s he moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin where he bought a home on Uranus Street, where he lived to present day. During those years he was not able to work due to his disabilities, but loved the community he became so absorbed by. He was able to share with friends and family the joy of the countryside he loved. Mike was a Proud Man, a Happy Man; a Man that loved to make you laugh and laugh infectiously with you! A Man that would give you the shirt off his back. A Man that would be there for you. He truly believed in Jesus, he believed in the saying, "he ain't heavy, he's my brother". Mike had moved here because of Carl Sherman, a military man Mike got to know while being stationed in Kansas. Mike was never so happy when his nephew, Michael Gallenger and two wonderful great nieces, Charlene and Michelle moved near him. This was a God send to him. Mike loved them to no end!

A funeral service will be Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Burial will take place at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 2, 2026.

We would like to invite family and friends that are unable to attend this evening's service for Michael, to join us virtually by clicking the link below.

https://vimeo.com/event/5841547