Obituary: Russell A. Schmitt - Class of 1929

MIDDLETON [Wisconsin] - Russell A. Schmitt, age 90, died on Sunday, August 20, 2000, at Meriter Park Hospital, after a brief illness. He was born on August 16, 1910, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Arthur P. and Elizabeth (Pleus) Schmitt. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1929, and served in the U.S. Navy, stationed at Pearl Harbor. Russell worked for Madison Gas and Electric as a troubleshooter for many years until his retirement. Mr. Schmitt was a standout baseball pitcher for various teams, the old industrial leagues, in Madison. He was married to Louella Kutz on December 12, 1932, in Madison, and she preceded him in death on October 20, 1981. He married Etta Myers in Middleton on June 4, 1984. Russ was a member of the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410, and Sonny Simon VFW Post No. 38616. Russ enjoyed entertaining his many friends at his home on Lake Mendota, and fishing. He had a quick wit and spoke what was on his mind. Survivors include his wife, Etta of Middleton; two brothers: Bill (Janet) of Black Earth, Wisconsin, and Jack of Pardeeville, Wisconsin; one nephew, Steve (Julie) Schmitt of Black Earth; two nieces: Carey (Gary) Vogt of Germantown, Wisconsin, and Marilee (Erik) Thoreson of McFarland, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister; and his first wife, Louella Kutz. Funeral services will be held at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2000. The Rev. Kendell Nordstrom will officiate, with burial in St. Luke's Cemetery, Middleton. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon until the service time on Wednesday, August 23, 2000. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journall on August 22, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)