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Michael Schmitt

michael schmitt

July 22, 1960 ~ January 21, 2024

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Michael "Mike" Schmitt age 63 of Waucoma, IA, died Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Waucoma, IA, with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass. Friends may greet the family 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Waucoma Event Center. Visitation continues an hour prior to Mass at the church on Saturday. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Waucoma. Michael Mark Schmitt was born on July 22, 1960 to Bernard and Victoria (Kuennen) Schmitt at Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, Iowa. He was born the seventh child of eleven siblings. Mike brought a lot of change to the Schmitt family. He was the first son, preceded by five older sisters. He was dressed up in girls' clothing, curlers, and even perms in his hair. As he approached kindergarten, he did not want to go to school because he was his dad, Bernie’s right hand man at the Waucoma Feed Mill. Mike rode in the truck with his dad on deliveries. He was an ambitious young boy who did lawn mowing for several families with a push mower, was a Waterloo Courier paperboy, a carry-out boy at the local McKay Grocery Store, an altar server at St. Mary’s Church, and Mike was known to have the fastest silver bike in town!! Mike was so proud of his hometown community of Waucoma. Mike enjoyed living by the Turkey River. Starting at a young age, he loved to fish and camp often along the river with his friends. He was compared to “Huck Finn”, as he made a raft to float the river and he had a small fishing boat that made many trips up and down the Mill Pond. Mike rode his bicycle everywhere he went. When he was 16, he bought his own car, a 1968 Chevy Impala, which he was very proud of. Mike was a 1979 graduate of Turkey Valley High School where he often found himself getting into trouble with his classmates. He participated in football and track in school and then decided to get a job at Farmer’s Butter & Dairy/AMPI where he worked for 20 years until the business closed. Mike met the love of his life, Janet Balk, when she was 14 years old. He saw Janet walking after church one day with a white sundress on and he told his buddy “that is the girl I’m going to marry.” Mike and Janet were united in marriage on June 22, 1985. What a party they had! They lived on Janet's grandparents' farm outside of St. Lucas for five years, until they moved to Waucoma in 1990 to the “Schmitt family home”. This was Mike’s home all his life. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Sara, Adam, and Ben. For the past 38 years, Mike and Janet made a great life in Waucoma. Mike introduced himself wherever he went as Mike Schmitt: Waucoma, Iowa. He worked at Lynch Livestock on the maintenance crew, where he enjoyed daily challenges. Janet referred to Mike as “McGyver” because he could fix anything. Mike was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church in Waucoma where he received all of his sacraments. He was active as an usher, choir member, and, along with Janet, did marriage prep for young couples for the past 20 years. Mike was one of the original Waucoma First Responders and served for 42 years. Mike also was a devout volunteer in his community in many ways. He was known for using his golf cart with the grandkids to water the community flowers. Mike and Janet (The Waucoma Kid & Queen of the Turkey) enjoyed being outdoors and had a love for nature. They spent many hours canoeing and agate(rock) hunting. They averaged around 30 trips per year. In recent years, they have been Ranger riding along the Turkey River. They have experienced many pieces of heaven on earth on these journeys. Mike enjoyed making bonfires. He loved sitting by the bonfire with friends and family telling stories. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed talking about the fish he caught and the friends he was with. Mike was a great friend to all. He loved hearing about their family and who they were related to. He always wanted to know who your grandparents were and where you were from. He loved taking the grandkids on golf cart rides and giving them treats, often a Mr. Freeze. Mike loved sleeping in his bed, often sleeping in on Saturday mornings, only to be awakened by grandchildren prodding him. Mike had an immense love for his family, friends, and the community of Waucoma. This is the life story of the “Waucoma Kid”, Mike Schmitt, as told with a grateful heart by his beloved wife, Janet. Mike and Janet’s children remember a quote spoken often by their dad, “Run while you can!” The laughter, the stories, the service, and the love that Mike Schmitt from Waucoma, Iowa imparted on countless lives will be forever remembered and dearly missed. Mike is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Sara (Justin) Haught; sons, Adam (Jill) and Ben (Kalyn) all of Waucoma; 7 beautiful grandchildren, Winnie, Millie, and Otto Haught, Jacob, Hazel, and Vera Schmitt, and Corbin Schmitt; siblings, Gloria Wagner of West Union, Sally (Michael) Hensley of Waucoma, Susy (Ron) Kuennen of St. Lucas, Debbie Kapnisis of West Union, Kathy (Brian) Dunt of West Union, Mary (Ken) Bouska of Chatfield, MN, Mark (Karen) Schmitt of New Hampton, Marlene Bouska of Hawkeye, and Marvin (Traci) Schmitt of Waucoma; mother-in-law, Wilma Balk of Waucoma; brothers-in-law, Ken (Emi) Balk of Marion, Greg (Angela) Balk of Waucoma and brother-in-law Larry Niebes of Horton, Ia.; and many nieces and nephews who knew him as "Uncle Mike." Preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Victoria; brother in infancy, John; brothers-in-law, Paul Wagner, Gus Kapnisis, and Terry Bouska; nephews, Brady Kuennen, Lee Einck, Jonathan Bouska (in infancy); niece, Taylor Bouska; father-in-law, Duane “Fritz” Balk; sister-in-law, Karla Faber Niebes; and brother-in-law, Jim Faber.

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  1. He was such a witty caring person. My condolences to Janet, the kids, grandchildren, the Schmitt and Balk families during this very difficult time.

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  4. Dear Lord, Please hold Mike’s wonderful family in your loving arms for some comfort! Mike was loved and will be missed by so many! 💔

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  18. I’m at a loss for words. Sending my condolences and prayers to the entire Schmitt family. Absolutely heartbreaking.

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  23. Just breaks my heart. 💔 Such a sad time for everyone who knew and loved Mike and Fritz. Sending all my love to the family.

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  28. Schmitt family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Mike was one of a kind, always smiling and making jokes. Praying for you all during this unimaginable time💙

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  33. I am so sorry to hear this. Sympathies to Janet and all the Schmitt and Balk families. My heart breaks for you.♥️🙏

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  46. So very very Sorry Janet and family. Our heart aches for you all. Mike was such a amazing person. He will be missed by so many. Hugs. Mary Lynn and Brad

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  48. This is just so sad! Mike was such a great guy and is going to missed by all that knew him. Thought and prayers go out to Janet and family. You are in thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Mike ❤️🙏

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  64. Our Deepest Sympathy to Mike’s Entire families. Prayers & Thoughts are with you during this difficult journey of Loss.
    James & Lyn (Meissen-Bruns) Bailey 🙏🙏

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  76. Such sad news. My heart goes out to the Schmitt and Balk families, and you will continue to be in my prayers.

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  81. Janet, my church family and I are praying for you and your family. I pray that you have peace and comfort and that Jesus will wrap his arms around you and your family after the loss of your dad and now your husband.
    Tabatha

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  93. We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful guy, and he will be so missed by all the surrounding communities. Rest in peace Dear Mike.

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  142. Shocking to hear this sad news. Mike was so full of life! He will be missed by so many. Our sympathy to the entire family.

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  154. Our deepest sympathy to Janet and family. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Andrew and Barbara Kottke

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  162. Janet and family so sorry to hear this keeping memories alive will help you get through this difficult sad time

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  174. Janet, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family🙏🏻🙏🏻

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  179. My deepest condolences to Janet, Sara, Adam, Ben and the entire Schmitt family. My heart aches for all of you. God bless and prayers 🙏 💔
    Oh Schmitty, work won’t be the same without you 😢

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  182. Sending our heartfelt sympathy, hugs and prayers to you Janet, Sara, Adam, Ben and all the Balk and Schmitt families. Cherish the wonderful memories❤️🙏

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  193. My deepest sympathies, Janet. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sendings lots of prayers❤️

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  197. Janet and family, I’m heartbroken for you all! In this incredibly difficult time I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts. I am so sorry.

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  199. Hard to believe this ,Mike will always be known as a great man great storyteller and quite the jokester. To Janet and family may you find peace and comfort knowing that Mike was Loved by Many 😪

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  205. Our thoughts and prayers to you,Janet, and your family. May you find peace in all your memories of Mike and your Father. Prayers. Bob and Marcia

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  208. So sorry to hear this. Jim and I send our sincere sympathy. Thoughts and prayers for The Schmitt family. 🙏🙏🙏

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  211. We are deeply saddened to hear about your Dad, an Mike. Heartfelt sympathy Janet & Family. We know death is certain still very difficult. I hope you know many of us holding you up for strength while praying.

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  219. Sending our love & prayers to you & your family ! Mike will be greatly missed by all who were Blessed to know him ! 🙏❤️

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  222. Janet, thinking of you and praying for you and your family at this difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

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  224. So very sorry for your loss.
    Mike will be dearly miss by his wonderful family, his vast numbers of friends and the entire Turkey Valley Community. Our Thoughts and Prayers.

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  226. A very giving person, who was well-liked, and will be greatly missed. Gone way too soon.
    Sincerest condolences to Janet and family.

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  229. My sympathy and prayers go to all of your family and all the rest that are morning,the great loss you have had .
    Mike saved my life from drowning when we were at the seminary in epworth a long time ago , he did things like that .
    he always could get everyone to laugh and helped make the day more rememberable , he will be remembered with tears for a while and smiles for years.
    people who met him liked him, people who new him loved him
    Mike O’Regan
    Mike O’Regan

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  237. When God takes our loved one home, He leaves behind what was most important about them in our hearts❤️. May precious memories bring you peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your precious loved one. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻✝️

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  238. So very sorry for the loss that the Schmitt and Balk families are feeling. Thoughts and prayers for all the family and friends of Mike.

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  239. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will miss his big smile and jokes. its just won’t be the same without you. 😔

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  240. My heart aches for the entire Schmitt family and all who knew Mike. He was one of a kind. Traci and Steve Perry

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  241. Janet & family,

    Our sincere sympathy upon hearing the news of Mike’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for you.

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  242. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, Janet. Mike was a great guy…..always loved visiting with him. He was one of a kind! RIP Mike❤️ Becky and Jeff

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  243. Janet and family so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike and Fritz. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Gail Humpal Schwartzkopf

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  244. Deepest sympathy to Janet, Sara, Adam and Ben and all of the Schmitt family. Prayers.❤️
    I had the honor of working with Mike for 15 years. Alot of good memories. Very kind man and quite the joksteer. He will be so dearly missed.

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  248. Janet I am so sorry about what you have gone thru these past couple days. Thoughts and prayers always 😢 💔💔🙏💕 Cousin Pat

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  251. Sorry to hear this sad news Janet, I have been thinking of you and your family. You have my sympathy. Rest in peace Mike you will b missed.

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  256. Sending hugs, Janet…so sorry to hear this devastating news about Mike….he was a great friend to my brother ,Ron & I think he was telling some pretty good stories at Ron’s Celebration of Life just a couple of weeks ago…may they continue with their stories & friendship again…💔 😊

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  260. My deepest sympathy to you Janet and your family. So extra hard when two people you love are gone so close together, May the angels wrap their arms around you at this difficult time. Sincerely Linda Stolfus

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  266. I can’t even begin to say how sorry I am Janet. He was a special guy, classmate & friend. Please reach out if you need ANYTHING!!! R.I.P. Mike

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  267. I have so many memories of Mike from when we lived in Waucoma. He would do anything on a dare with Janet just shaking her head, “again?” Whether it was swimming across the Turkey in the middle of winter or jumping off bridges. He was so fun to be around. Janet and family, God has a plan for each of us and we can’t begin to understand the why this happened. Allow yourself the time YOU need to grieve and trust in God to help you. Time will lessen the pain of grief. God bless you all. Pam (Lynch) Bergmann-Knebel.

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  271. My Deepest sympathy to you and your family at your sudden loss of your young husband and dad thoughts and prayers to you all

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  272. Janet and family sending my deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of you. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.

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  278. Sending prayers to the entire Schmitt family during this incredibly difficult time. He will be missed. So very sorry!

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  280. Janet – What a beautiful story you and Mike Schmitt: Waucoma Iowa wrote together. While the story was cut way too short, I hope that Mike’s last chapter – his final reward – is as glorious as we have been promised. There is no replacement for a McGyver who can fix everything. But I hope that the next generation was paying attention and some of his know-how rubbed off. When I think of Mike, I always think of a guy wearing a turtleneck. I am so very sorry for your loss Janet, Sara, Adam, Ben, his in-laws and grandkids. Some days life just isn’t fair, and this is one of them.

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  284. Our deepest sympathies to you Janet and your family.
    Many 🙏🏼 and ♥️ for all of you during this difficult time 🤗

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  285. Janet and family, you have my deepest sympathy in your recent losses of your precious family members. God Bless you!

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  286. Janet
    Our sympathy to you and your family.
    May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand in this time of loss and sorrow.

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  293. So sorry to hear this. Janet and family, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Mike was always so much fun when we got together. He was one of a kind and will be missed by many!!🙏❤️🙏

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  294. I’m so sorry for your loss, Janet. While I only met Mike once, his contagious smile and friendly, goofy ways always stuck in my memory. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time ❤️

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  302. Great memories for working with Mike at the creamery in Fredericksburg so sorry for your loss.
    Robin Mackintosh McKee

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  306. Mike was always ready to laugh and joke. I probably got into more trouble shenanigans in class with him than anyone! He was an old soul and a great friend and always had a big smile whenever I saw him after years of not seeing him. He will be missed. Deepest sympathy to all those who loved him.

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  307. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You have our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. Ray and Joyce Lukes

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  312. My sincere condolences to Mike’s family and to his many friends as well. He was always kind and fun times followed him everywhere. Gone way too soon- TV ‘79.

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  313. Janet, Sara, Adam & Ben, we are very saddened for your loss of your partner and father. Mike is surely going to be missed and remembered very fondly by very many persons.

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