John "Jack" Schmit was born on May 19, 1921, in Luverne, Minnesota, the son of the late Michael and Frances (Lentz) Schmit. Jack received his early education in the Catholic School in Iona before attending Slayton and completing his education in country school. After his education, Jack worked various jobs including at the Phillips 66 in Luverne as a gravel truck driver, Elk River for 2 years, Tyler Moore for 5 years and Toro for 25 years before retiring. Jack was united in marriage to Beverly Joyce Kinsey and the union blessed them with three children: Vernon, Gordon and Brenda Schmit. This marriage was later dissolved. Jack served his country in the United States Navy from 1941- 1947 where he was a Gunner Mate 2nd Class and a WWII Veteran. Jack was very honored and proud to serve his country and was truly the definition of a proud American. Jack had many great qualities that he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Family was the utmost importance to Jack and he never missed a birthday and you could guarantee that every holiday you would get a visit from Jack. Jack raised all three children by himself and gave up his life to be there for his children and to make sure they had a happy and healthy life. Jack was strong in his Catholic Faith and every Sunday after church Jack would take his granddaughter, Misty, along with himself to go visit relatives-they ended up visiting a different relative every Sunday. Jack had many admirable qualities and was such a selfless man. He never complained and he was a great listener and was always more than willing to help anyone in need. You could find Jack riding his bike around town into his 90's and would go to the library once a week and read all the newspapers so he was caught up on all the world events. John "Jack" Schmit passed away peacefully at the Windom Area Hospital on August 2nd, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones at the wonderful age of 99 years. He is survived by his two children, Gordon (Elizabeth Nixon) Schmit of Le Sueur; Brenda (Richard) Koch of Windom; 3 grandchildren, Misty (Kevin) Thompson of North Mankato; Brooks Schmit of St. Peter; Jared (Jessica) Schmit of Lakefield; 5 great-grandchildren, Lauren and Jackson Thompson of North Mankato and Ava, Benjamin and McKenna Schmit of Lakefield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Frances Schmit; one son, Vernon Schmit; one brother, William "Bill" Schmit; and one sister, Elizabeth Schmalz