Alex Schmitt

Alex Schmitt age 87 of St. Lucas, IA passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Stoney Brook Village in West Union, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2024, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 215 East Main St. St. Lucas, IA with Rev. Nick Radloff presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military rites. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church and from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. before the service on Friday. Alex A. Schmitt was born on July 14, 1937, to Bill and Anna Schmitt. He graduated from St Luke’s Catholic School in St. Lucas, IA. On May 1, 1956, Alex joined the Navy and spent four years traveling the world on the USS Des Moines. During his service, he ran the ship's newspaper, got certified clearance for top-secret information, and provided extra security for President Eisenhower during his time on board. Alex returned home in May 1960 and began farming with his father and younger brother. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Croatt on October 15, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma, IA. They were blessed with six children: Dennis, Darrell, Dean, Mary Lynn, Nancy, and Wayne. Alex and Shirley farmed while raising their six children. Alex and Shirley were married for fifty-six years before his wife passed away from complications from Parkinsons. Alex cherished his life on the farm and enjoyed visiting his daughter's home in Prairie du Chien, WI, known as the River House and his trips to Des Moines to visit his daughters and families. He loved spending time with his family, driving his truck, checking on the crops, attending his grandchildren's events, and going to the casino. His greatest joy was spending time with his 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Alex was also a member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus. Alex is survived with their six children and their spouses: Dennis (Glenda) Schmitt, St. Lucas, IA, Darrell (Tammy) Schmitt, Spillville, IA, Dean (Cheryl) Schmitt, St. Lucas, IA Mary Lynn (Brad) Baumler, Urbandale, IA, Nancy (Deano) Kuennen, Johnston, IA and Wayne (Denise) Schmitt, Waucoma, IA; twenty one grandchildren: Darren (Carley) Schmitt, Brian (Dana) Schmitt, Brad (Brittany) Schmitt, Derek Schmitt , Jordan (Taylor) Schmitt, Alexander Schmitt, Ty Schmitt, Cole Schmitt, Gracie Schmitt, Justin (Morgan) Fonley, Brandon (Jamee) Schmitt, Hunter (Sara) Baumler, Carter Baumler, Trever Baumler, Caleb Kuennen, Cade Kuennen, Regan (Garrett) Lensing, Riley (Cassie) Schmitt, Raquel (Carson) Bohr, Ryann Schmitt, Rolin Schmitt and 16 great grandchildren. He is survived by one sister: Helen Noska and one brother Gerald Schmitt. He is also survived by brother-in-law Gerald Croatt; sisters-in-law Dorma Wieck, Elaine Croatt and Norma Jean Schmitt. As difficult as these times seem to us now, our sorrow turns to strength because of friends and family like you. Thank you for your kindness. The family of Alex Schmitt.