MADISON - David T. Schmitt, 91, passed away Jan. 4, 2021, after a brief illness. Dave was born July 1, 1929, in Madison, to Kenneth and Carol (Docken) Schmitt. On Oct. 19, 1957, he married Elaine Runde at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Elaine's untimely death in 1993 left a hole in his heart, and we take comfort in knowing that they are now reunited.

Dave was raised in the Greenbush neighborhood and on the Isthmus, graduating from Central High School in 1947. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Military Police Company of the First Calvary Division during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and often recalled that there wasn't a dry eye on the ship when they returned to the States, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge on New Year's Day. Being a proud Madisonian, he liked to add that this was the same day the Badgers were making their first Rose Bowl appearance. In 2017, he had the privilege of visiting the memorials in Washington D.C. with the Badger Honor Flight, accompanied by his grandson-in-law and fellow military veteran, Brian Safford.

Dave had a passion for sailing, both competitively and for pleasure. He spent many, many hours on Lake Mendota and Lake Wingra, and also sailed on the Great Lakes with his brother.

After retirement, Dave quietly and selflessly helped others by volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, ushering at Blessed Sacrament Church, and supporting numerous veteran organizations. He was also a regular American Red Cross blood donor.

Dave was a kind and gentle soul who greeted you with a warm smile (and a cold beer). He lived a simple and humble life and found great joy in spending time with family and friends. He never turned down an opportunity to stop at the Plaza Tavern. He loved watching Badgers, Packers, and Brewers games. Until his eyesight prohibited it, he enjoyed reading and working the daily crossword puzzles. He was an expert at taking things apart and putting them back together.

Dave will be sadly missed by his children, Karen (Randy) Richter, Mary (Bob) Parsons, John, and Brian (Ellie) Schmitt; grandchildren, Kristi (Brian) Safford, Jamie (Brad) Meyer, Tom Parsons, Scott (Hannah) Parsons, Drew (Bailey) Parsons, Sarah, Elise, and Julia Schmitt; and great-grandsons, Eli and Colton Meyer. He is further survived by his brother, Kenneth F. Schmitt Jr.; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family funeral and burial are planned. Memorials may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 259686, Madison, WI 53725-9686, or Blessed Sacrament Parish. The family would like to thank the staff members of New Perspective Senior Living, SSM St. Mary's Hospital, Sun Prairie Health Care Center, and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care of our father and grandfather.

"When someone you love moves on from you it feels like your ship has sailed while you are still standing at the docks." Fair winds forever, Dad.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434

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Published by Madison.com on Jan. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David Schmitt

Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.

6 Entries

Ron Longua

January 7, 2021

So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was an awesome guy & had a lot of good times together. Hoped to have a few more lunches yet. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Warren Onken

January 7, 2021

Worked with Dave at SVDP and I have never met a nicer guy.

Bruce Goldade

January 7, 2021

My condolences to the family of Dave. Dave was a great and beautiful person. Dave was a good friend and coworker with my father and a great friend to our entire family. Dave was great with the jokes and always had that little laugh and crooked smile while telling them. Dave stayed a great friend to my dad and would visit him often at my dads house and then when my dad went into a nursing home. Dave will be greatly missed but I´m sure he´s enjoying catching up with everyone that he´s now with. May god bless him and your family

STEVE SCHWOEGLER

January 6, 2021

My deepest condolences to the family of David Schmitt, such a wonderful human being. I volunteered alongside Dave at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry for many years. His quiet, unassuming, hard working style, along with that great smile and unique sense of humor made Friday´s at St. Vinney´s entertaining and downright fun. Once he retired from St. V´s and moved to Sun Prairie, I got to know him in a different light. On my visits to New Perspectives we went out to lunch to catch up on things and talk quite a bit about sports. We would come back for a few games of pool, and of course a beer or two. This formed a close sharing friendship I will remember forever. I miss you my friend.
Steve Schwoegler

Chris Kane

January 6, 2021

This is a beautiful obituary for a very good man. Those of us at St. Vincent de Paul will never forget the many, many Friday mornings Dave spent here at the food pantry. Rest easy Dave.

The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

January 6, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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