Ralph Schmit

Ralph Schmit, age 97, of Milwaukee, WI, passed away on November 11th, 2024. He was born on April 16, 1927 in St. Paul, MN. Ralph had fond memories of his childhood in St. Paul, including the time he spent in his grandparents corner store and swimming, fishing and playing with his 3 older brothers Jacque, George and Leo.

Before attending the Rasmussen Business School and the U of MN Extension, Ralph, along with his 3 older brothers, served his country during WWII. Ralph was in the US Merchant Marines and the US Navy in both the ETO and South Pacific. 

In 1956 Ralph married Bernadette “Bernie” Driscoll and soon thereafter moved to Milwaukee, WI. 

After 34 years of employment, Ralph retired from the Mobil Oil Corp. The time spent with his co-workers both in and out of the office was special to him. 

Ralph was addicted to golf and greatly enjoyed his membership with Greenfield and Oakwood Golf Clubs and he treasured his golf outings with family & friends. He also enjoyed his weekly bowling league, continuing to bowl into his 90s still using a 16 lb bowling ball. 

For more than 35 years Ralph was a member of St. Matthias Church and their Usher Society. 

Ralph made many trips back to his hometown of St. Paul to be with family and special friends from his old neighborhood and schools including VanBuren Grade School, Sacred Heart Grade School and Harding High School. 

Preceded in death by his loving wife Bernadette, his parents Matthew and Catherine Schmit, his 3 older brothers and their wives Jacque and Elna, George and Doris, Leo and Margo and his sister Helen. 

Survived by son Randy and granddaughter Kelly of Lewisville, TX, son Jeffrey of Milwaukee, WI and son Brian and his wife Sue and granddaughter Kara and grandson Logan of Muskego, WI. Also survived by other family members including nephew Al Schmit and his wife Cathi and their daughter Jennifer of Hugo, MN. 

Ralph will be greatly missed by his family and friends who will always remember his incredibly kind heart and his unique sense of humor. 

A private burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI. Memorial donations in Ralph's memory to Renaissance Memory Care of New Berlin, WI or Mass offerings to St. Matthias Catholic Church, 9306 W. Beloit Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53227 are appreciated. 

Ralph’s family would like to thank the staff at Renaissance Memory Care and Heartland Hospice for their incredibly loving care of Ralph over the last years of his life.