Donald Schmitt

Donald Schmitt, 87, of Fort Atkinson, passed away Sept. 29, 2025, at Wellington Place in Decorah.

There will be no formal services. A private graveside will take place at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.

Donald was born June 6, 1938, in Decorah, along with his twin sister Darlene (Breuss), to Benjamin and Ida (Hageman) Schmitt. Donald attended St. John’s Catholic School, then later took over the family farm.

Donald was united in marriage Sept. 2, 1972 to Gloria. Donald and Gloria lived on the family farm in rural Fort Atkinson, along with their children: Cathy and Kevin.

Donald farmed all of his life, enjoyed watching the RFD channel and the Molly B show, with one of his favorite highlights being meeting Molly B. He was always busy tending to his crops, going for pickup rides and stopping for coffee, making many friends along the way. Donald was a kind and gentle man who always put others first and was always willing to lend a hand.

Donald is survived by his wife Gloria Schmitt of 53 years; two children Cathy (Kenny) Shimek, and Kevin Schmitt and friend (Natasha Rausch); two grandaughters Alexis (Dalton) Skillings and Jessica Shimek and two great-grandchildren; twin sister Darlene Bruess, brother LaVern Schmitt, sister-in-law Dorothy Schmitt, brother and sister-in-laws Dick and Mary Lou Rochester and John and Colleen Tudahl, along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Ida (Hageman) Schmitt, his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Gertrude Schmitt, brothers Wilbert Schmitt, Lawrence Schmitt, and Fidelis (Pearl) Schmitt, sister Serena (Adrian) Timp, sister-in-law Janice Schmitt, brother-in-law DeWayne Bruess, and three nephews Randy and Darrin Bruess and Daniel “Dan” Schmitt.

Visit Helms Funeral Home online.