Frank Lawrence Schmit

Frank Schmit, of Port Washington, passed away peacefully in the evening hours of Sunday, September 3, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old.

Frank was born in Milwaukee on May 14, 1935, to William and Viola (Huiras) Schmit. He married Joan Viola Ryer at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington, WI, on October 19, 1957.

Frank attended Immaculate Conception grade school in Saukville, WI. He graduated from Port Washington High School with the class of 1953 and Marquette University in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Frank's career started with the Army Corp of Engineers in St. Paul, MN, and was involved with the construction of NIKE missile sites around the Twin Cities. After returning to Wisconsin from Florida, he worked for Hunzinger Construction Co., and Worden Allen Co., where he was one of the founders of the wastewater division. This spun off and became Water Pollution Control Corp (WPCC) which built and marketed water and wastewater treatment equipment under the trade name SANITAIRE. The company was recognized as the world leader of equipment to transfer oxygen into wastewater during treatment. Frank was active in associated trade organizations and was elected to a term as Chairman of the Process Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) and Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA), both headquartered in Washington D.C. He served as a Director for Oilgear Company and Aquarius Industries.

Frank retired in January 1999 from WPCC as Chairman of the Board. He and Joan became snowbirds to avoid Wisconsin winters, spending time in Melbourne Beach, FL. Frank enjoyed sports and lettered in football, basketball, track, and golf in high school. He was an avid golfer as a member of Ozaukee Country Club in Mequon. He was proud to shoot his age and under numerous times. He was also a longtime member of St. John XXIII Parish in Port Washington, The Catholic Order of Foresters, and a former member of the Saukville Village Board.

Frank is survived by his wife Joan, his three children: Jeanine (Todd) Galles of Davis, CA, William (Lori Schommer) Schmit of Grafton, WI, and Jacqueline (Marcela Haber Bishop) Schmit of Chicago, IL. He is further survived by nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Donald Ryer of Port Washington, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harvey Schmit, sisters Virgina Moulton and Rosemary Schmit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM, at St. John XXIII Parish – St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St. in Port Washington. Father Patrick Wendt will preside over the Mass.

There will be a visitation for friends and family at the church on Thursday the 7th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Frank will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Parish Cemetery in Port Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or St. John XXIII Parish.

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is honored to serve the Schmit family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com