Vernon J. "Schmitty" "Sonny" Schmit

Vernon John Schmit, of Appleton, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Appleton Medical Center on September 6, 2012. He was born on November 21, 1924, in Greenville, the son of Erving and Viola (Meltz) Schmit. Schmitty graduated from Appleton West High School in 1942. He served in World War II in the Air Force from 1943 to 1946. Schmitty married Arla Jane Porath on December 15, 1951 at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church in Appleton. He worked for Wunderlich Construction for four years before taking employment at Appleton Wire Works for 23 years. Schmitty then worked for Morning Glory Dairy, followed by the Appleton Public School System, where he retired in 1987. He enjoyed playing golf throughout his life, but especially enjoyed swimming in his later years at Lake Park Fitness Center. Schmitty was a lifetime member of Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church, Johnston-Blessman Post 38 American Legion, and also volunteered at St. Joseph Food Pantry for several years.

Schmitty will be missed by his loving children: Jodi Schmit, Los Angeles; Beth Braun, Appleton; Heidi (Dan) Baumann, Appleton; Kurt Schmit, Fort Atkinson; and son-in-law, Kim Masterson, Whitewater. He will be missed by his grandchildren: Kristin Baumann, Erin Baumann and Rachel Baumann; Kyle Masterson and Quinn Masterson; and Melissa (Travis) Vandenberg; one loving great-grandchild, Addisyn Vandenberg, and his sister, Nathalie (Walter) Wunderlich, Appleton. Schmitty is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Arla; son, Craig Andrew Schmit; daughter Pamela Masterson, sisters: Delores (Paul) Aiello and Dorothy (Harlan) Moder; brother, Eugene Schmit, and companion for many years, Virginia “Bunny” Caldie.

The funeral service for Vernon will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church, 930 E. Florida Avenue in Appleton. Rev. Joel Zank will be officiating. A time of visitation will be held Monday at the Wichmann Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial with full military honors will take place at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

The family would like to offer their thanks to the excellent staff at Appleton Health Care Center especially, Buckshot, Peanut, Cookie, Beka and the many others. In addition, the support during Vern's last week from the very caring staff at Appleton Medical Center was greatly appreciated by the family.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231