Gerald "Schimmel" Schmitt

Gerald "Schimmel" Schmitt, age 86, of St. Lucas, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Gundersen Health Systems in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. John Catholic Church, 201 Oak Street, Fort Atkinson, Iowa, with Pastor Henry Huber Presiding. Burial will be in the St. Lukes Catholic cemetery.

Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home – Chekal Chapel, 201 East Main, Fort Atkinson, Iowa. Also, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday morning.

He was born July 19, 1939 in rural St. Lucas area to Wiliam and Anna (Kuennen) Schmitt. He was the youngest of 8 children. Gerald received his education at St. Lukes Catholic School. He worked on the family farm for years and gradually took it over.

He was given the nickname “Schimmel” as young boy because he had white hair. In German   Schimmel means white horse.

In August of 1957 he met Rosetta Rothmeyer at a dance at the Shep Shed in Little Turkey, Iowa. They later married on November 28, 1959 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Festina, Iowa. The couple made their home on the family farm where they raised two daughters Lisa and Sandy.

Gerald was a member of the St. Lucas Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus and National Society of Foresters.

Schimmel was a farmer by trade and a storyteller by nature, he lived life to the fullest. He always had a tale to tell usually one from his many adventures that would leave you smiling, laughing, or shaking your head in disbelief. He loved playing cards with family and friends, especially when the stakes where high and the jokes where flying.

Gerald’s loyalty to John Deer was unwavering and his idea of a perfect day was simple: A drink in his hand, good company near by and a polka tune or old western playing in the background.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters Lisa (Sam) Hageman, Fort Atkinson, and    Sandy (Ingvald) Sunde, Forest City. Grandchildren Amber (Shane) Enick, Kirstie (Tyler) Juliar, Corey (Kelsi) Schroeder, Jenny (Adam) Gatton, Ryne (Amy) Sunde, Tori (Jared)  Dietzenbach, Marcus (Nichole) Hageman and several great grandchildren.

He is survived by his sister Helen Noska, brother-in-law Lester (Liz) Rothmeyer and sister-in-law Norma Schmitt and Ruth Huber and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents William and Anna Schmit, in laws Herbert and Rose Rothmeyer. Brothers and spouses Arthur (Agnes) Schmitt, Edmund Schmitt, Alex (Shirley) Schmitt. Sisters and spouses Adela (Leo) Langreck, Irma (Leonard) Bullerman, Lucy (Urban) Dietzenbach and Rita Schmitt (infancy). Brother and sister in laws Eugene Noska, Linus (Elsie) Rothmeyer and Larry (Sandy) Rothmeyer.

While we mourn his passing and we take comfort in knowing that is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rosetta and the loved one who went before him.

The family of Gerald wish to express their appreciation for all your kind thoughts and expression of sympathy at this difficult time. We also appreciate the staff at Stoney Brook Assistant Living for all the care and compassion shown to him and his family the last three years. It will always be remembered by the family of Gerald Schmitt.