Karl Schmit

Karl Schmit of Goodyear, Arizona passed away February 24, 2023 at the age of 90. He was born October 12, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois to George and Catherine (nee Gollrad) Schmit. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Dolores M. Schmit, and brother George Schmit. He is survived by his sons, Mark Schmit and his wife Emily, and Todd Schmit and his wife Andria, and his sister Dolores Goss.

Karl grew up in Chicago and graduated from St. George’s High School. He went on to get a Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois Benedictine College, and a Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University. During his time in Illinois, Karl became a Captain in the United States Air Force. He married Dolores in 1969 and together they raised their two sons in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Karl taught math and eventually became principal at Goethe Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. In 1998, Karl and Dolores retired to Goodyear, Arizona (Pebble Creek) where they were very active in the community, the church and volunteered with St. Vincent DePaul . Shortly after Dolores passed away in 2019 Karl moved to Robson Reserve and stayed until 2022. From 2022 until his passing, Karl lived at Park Senior Villas.

Karl was known as an extremely well-disciplined man. He gave his all to anything he was involved in, and that included his wife and children’s activities. But he was also known as a “ham.” When he was on stage acting, he would always leave the audience in tears of laughter. He loved performing, and had a natural talent for it. If he wasn’t on stage, he was often watching or listening to old musicals. Theater and the arts were his passion. In his free time, he also enjoyed playing tennis (well into his 80’s!), watching old westerns, riding his Harley Davidson, and working on puzzles. He also collected coins and had a rather large collection of eagle statues.

Karl was, above all, a family man. He devoted himself to his wife and sons. He supported them in all their endeavors and loved spending time with them. He would spend time with them on family cruises and cross country trips, but also doing simple things like yard work and grilling ribs in the back yard.

Karl was the type of person who frequently put the needs of others before his own. He was generous, kind, and caring and made sure that everyone that he cared about was fully taken care of – no matter what their needs were. He encouraged his sons to follow their passions in life. He celebrated with them when they succeeded and helped pick them back up without judgement when they failed.

A memorial service will be held from 9am to 1pm, Saturday, March 25 at Thompson Funeral Chapel.