Bernard Schmitt

Sun Prairie- Bernard L. Schmitt, age 89, peacefully passed away Friday, September 15, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born April 26, 1928 in Columbus, Wisconsin, the only son of Henry and Gertrude (Link) Schmitt.

Bernard grew up in Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School in 1946. He met the love of his life, Dorothy May Linley, when she went to his basketball game. They were united in marriage on June 6, 1950 at St. Jerome's Catholic Church. They chose Sun Prairie to raise their family. With Dorothy's encouragement and help, he pursued a career in home construction. A self-taught builder, Bernard built 56 homes in the Sun Prairie, Marshall and Columbus area. In his life long career as a carpenter, he did numerous additions, remodeling projects and he was the general contractor for two Mobil gas stations.

Bernard was a craftsman. He was passionate about quality and took great pride in his work. Bernard had great rapport with subcontractors, who he considered his friends. He was very proud of the homes he built. Years later, he could recall specific details about building each house. Skilled at problem solving, he often taught family members and helped neighbors with household repairs. In addition, he constructed festival game booths for St Albert the Great Church, where he was an active member.

Bernard was an avid sport fan. He loved watching the Green Bay Packers, Badger football and basketball, Brewers and the Sun Prairie Cardinals. He was strong and athletic, loved playing HORSE, tossing the football in the backyard and pitching horseshoes.
His favorite times were being together at Lake Camelot with his family. He loved the stars of the evening sky and sitting around the campfire. He treasured his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for sharing M&M's and Kit Kat bars, having peanut parties, enjoying late night ice cream, crafting wood gifts and saying "dadisms".

Bernard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy, and five children; Joanne Terhall, Jim (Lorie), John (Marcia), Bob (Barb) and Kathy (Tom) Tucker. He leaves behind his grandchildren; Nikki (Geoff), Andy, Adam (Jen), Jason (Jessica), Sara (Bryan), Josh (Jennifer), Michelle (Chad), Luke (Katelyn), Pete (Caty), Kate, Rachel, Megan (Leo), Angie (John) and Jackie; great-grandchildren Miles, Marli, Kaylee, Aiden, Dawson, Brielyn, Hudson, Sadie, Sierra, Henry, Lucas, Ravin, Lexi, Tyler, Riley, Jack, Oliver, Kylie, Rosalie, Cora, Bryn, Zoey and Isabella.; his sisters Eldora Hermanson and Ginny (Bill) Volpano. He was preceded in death by his sister Lucille Ausman and son-in-law Richard Terhall.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 10:30 am with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie Visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and at the church on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Albert the Great Catholic Church or Heartland Hospice. Thanks to the staff at New Perspectives and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.

You are forever in our hearts and we know you will watch over us.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
608-837-9054