John Jacob Schmitt Ph.D.

John and Bibbie were dear friends of Gretchen and myself at the University of Chicago in the 1960s. So was Fr. John ("Jake") Donahue, S.J. We and our wives continued our friendship at society meetings and when he was at St. Bonaventure and I was at Canisius University in Buffalo. We dearly remember his his humore and explanation about how to live in a monk's cell in his early years: it included standing on his head, which he proudly demonstrated to us. Sadly, we lost touch in recent years,...

Sympathy to Bobbie and all the family on the passing of Dr. John Schmitt. I was a lowly graduate student in the 1970s and 1980s and never had a class from him but was impressed with his warmth, kindness, respect, intellectual curiosity, openness and humanity in all encounters. He was a wonderful and encouraging person to have an association with. Condolences to all of his loving relatives. I am sorry to have missed the Mass but saw the notice too late.

Kind and witty are the two words that come to mind as I reflect on my experiences of John. As a teacher, John's sharp intellect and humble, joyful disposition made for the ideal learning environment. His keen eye and linguistic expertise was immensely helpful in writing my dissertation. His kindness, generosity, and wisdom made him a living witness to his faith, a friend and mentor to so many. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched. My prayers for Bobbie and the family.

This was a person so kind and gentle. One of those people one is fortunate to know. Our sympathy to his great wife and daughters

Please accept our sincere condolences on passing of John and the loss of a person so genuine, so loving, and so loved.

John was a special man. He was missed at Choristers when he retired. We shared rides to our Pre-Concert at the Sienna Center. We both got lost and actually missed part of the performance, but he never lost his cool. He helped me regain mine.

Bobbie, what a shock to hear about John's death! Although our paths have not crossed for several years, I remember his infectious smile. His obituary was a reminder of what an accomplished person he was -- both professionally and personally. I didn't know you had moved to St. John's. I, too, bought a new condo in December in Oconomowoc to be closer to my family. Thinking of you, Aldy