Thomas Schmitt

February 9, 1960 - January 13, 2021

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Krause Funeral Home New Berlin

12401 West National Avenue

New Berlin, WI 53151

Saturday 1/23, 1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Krause Funeral Home New Berlin

12401 West National Avenue

New Berlin, WI 53151

Saturday 1/23, 4:00 pm

Thomas Hugo Schmitt passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at age 60. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Levaine Schmitt. He fiercely loved his family and loved ones. He is survived by his wife Linda Niemela and was a proud father to his three beloved children Ashley (Kerry) Davis, Tyler Schmitt, and Meaghan Schmitt. Tom cherished his three beautiful grandchildren Jace, Hayes, and Ruby Davis. Tom is dearly missed by his siblings Kathy (Tom) Oestreich and Chris (Mary) Schmitt and will always be remembered as a fun-loving uncle by his nephews Dr. Thomas (Allison) Oestreich and Tim (Molly) Oestreich and his niece Katie (Matt) Bernstein. Tom wholeheartedly enjoyed spending holidays and long weekends with BJ (David) Schmitt, his in-laws Andy and Debbie Niemela, and many other extended family members and friends. Tom impacted many lives! His family, friends, colleagues, and the rugby community will always remember his zest for life.
Tom was a master storyteller but now it is time he lets someone else tell his story. His soul carried many passions. Among them were immersing himself in music, spending time outdoors, engaging in community service, lending a helping hand every chance he got, and taking care of the great planet we live on. When he shared his pursuits with loved ones, he was overjoyed. He was a man who teetered between grandiosity and astounding simplicity. He simultaneously enjoyed planning intricate events and taking moments to sip coffee and watch the birds. To wrap up, Tom’s story cannot be told without mentioning his passion for the great sport of rugby. He was a force to be reckoned with on and off the pitch. Tom held every role in rugby from player to coach, referee to spectator, line judge to score-keeper but at the end of it all, his favorite title at a rugby match was parent. Tom lived by and loved analogies so here we go…

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin on the only day of the week he’d deem acceptable, a RUGBY SATURDAY. Kickoff for Tom’s final celebration is Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 1:00 PM and will carry on until 3:45 PM. We will end with his last game review at the Memorial Service beginning at 4:00 PM. The service can be attended in person and it will be streamed live for those not in attendance. A recording of the service will be shared at a later date.

There have been several people asking about how to donate money towards a cause that would commemorate Tom. Before his passing, Tom established a non-profit called Made For Love INC. Its mission and intention is to help fund organic farming initiatives, enhance food and resource accessibility in our communities, provide nutritional food to all communities, and to assist people living with disabilities.

Donations will be accepted at Tom’s Celebration Of Life or can be mailed to:

8055 South Patricia Court, Franklin, WI 53132

Please address checks to Made For Love INC.

So, in Tom’s resounding vocals, “On We Go!!”

Krause Funeral Home New Berlin

12401 West National Avenue

New Berlin, WI 53151

Map

Saturday 1/23, 1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Krause Funeral Home New Berlin

12401 West National Avenue

New Berlin, WI 53151

Map

Saturday 1/23, 4:00 pm

See Condolences

I was at his 10th birthday in the house on Beloit and Walmer. His dad was filming with a Super 8 camera and 6 flood lights. I remember going to see his dad a work. He was a mechanic at MPD. Worked on the 3 wheel Harlie Davidson.

My Deepest condolences on the loss of Tom. I met Tom when my wife thought my idea of starting a business, let's say questionable at our age in live. I really liked Tom and he impressed me. A great sound person. He gave me hope and confidence. Without Tom we wouldn't be in business today. Business life isn't easy, but Tom's words of wisdom and support carry with me every day. My Wife and I have persevered and progressed due to Tom's support. If we weren't here the Apple Covid-19 testing project we worked on around the clock would not have been completed on time. The GE Ventilator expansion project would not have been completed on time. Thank you Tom, I hope we live up to your expectations and succeed as we go forward. Much love and thanks from my wife Bonnie and myself.

Tom and the Schmitt family showed the Wright family how welcoming, supportive and inclusive the rugby community is in the midst of tough competition. Out hearts go out to you all! RIP

Very sad news and much too soon. I played rugby against Tom for a number of years during the 80's and 90's and he was always a very tough competitor, a big personality and a good guy. I enjoyed playing against him and his team and we had a lot of fun games and post-games. Best wishes to his family - and to his rugby family. I am very sure that he will be missed.

I Love this Man, always willing to help and lend a hand. Thank You for the Rugby Memories and being a friend, you will be missed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Tom’s passing. I had the privilege of being introduced to Rugby by him when I played for him at Marquette. He was an amazing coach and a big personality that I will always remember. Linda I am so very sorry for your loss and send you and your children love and prayers.

so sorry for the unexpected passing of tom. his passion for winning and creating champion will be sorely missed. I played rugby and coached with tom. to this day have not seen more passion for the sport. hope you find a team in heaven to play for tom.

My sympathy to Linda & family. Tom’s zest for life was always fun.... he was on “Tom time” which usually meant he was late! I’ll salute him today with a Scotch....he will be blessed & remembered!

Man o Man want to send love and light to Tom and his family condolences. Tom and I shared great common themes amd philosophies on life. Though we were from two culturally different backgrounds, we called each other brothers from another mother. Me along with his son Tyler as well as other stake holders were in the midst of planning a development at the farm on 55th and Silverspring. My family and I are still.in disbelief and grieve pray and celebrate the long lasting impact Tom made on everybody he met. Long live the life and works of my Brother from another Mother!

Tom, I am so sorry to see that you have gone. You have been more than an accountant these 26 years. You were a friend at our time of personal trial. You have never let us down. You will be sorely missed. RIP. Friend.

What a shock ! It hit me again when I saw the great photo of Tom here. My condolences to everyone who is grieving. I am grieving as well. Many years ago, Tom and I were part of a group that was duck hunting on the Mississippi river. I wanted to take my canoe to the top of the very high hills along that stretch of the Mississippi; and then paddle down a river that raced down those hills and into the Mississippi. It was more of an adventure than a successful duck hunting strategy. As such I was having trouble recruiting someone to go with me. Tom said yes immediately. There were only small and infrequent adventures in recent years, but I was always happy to see him. I will miss him.

Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Tom and I were involved with the WRFU Administration for a long time together. Hosey

Generosity, kindness, joy, camaraderie, loyalty, purpose and passion were ever-present with Tom. He meant the world to the Cummings family (Richard, Betty, Steven, Sean, Scott and Jenny) for 30+ years. Thank you for your friendship, financial advice, humor and generosity of spirit. Three cheers for Tom, Hip Hip Hooray...Hip Hip Hooray...Hip Hip Hooray

Linda, Tyler and Meaghan, I am sending you heartfelt condolences from Ireland on the terribly sad news of Tom's death. I was shocked to hear that a man so full of life was taken from us so quickly. Sometimes life is not fair and this is another time that statement rings true. Tom and I went to the UK on rugby trips over the last several years when I lived in WI, and I know Tyler from my time as coach at the Barbarians. Tom, was always at the centre of the fun and always willing to chat and have fun with people from all walks of life - what a gregarious person! Tom will be sorely missed by you all. Ar laimh dheis de go raibh a anam! Sincerely, Dominic Crotty

I am just so truly sorry. I loved Tom. What a great man and what a great personality. He has done my taxes for almost 20 years. I will truly miss him. My prayers are with his wife and children.

My sincere condolences to you and your children+, Linda. I can totally see Tom with his black, plastic-framed glasses and his clarinet in high school band, "Ready For Duty" with that broad, ear-to-ear smile on his face. Heart and energy are certainly something he exuded and it obviously carried into adulthood. I STILL can't associate that image with someone who has passed at age 60. I am so sincerely sorry for your loss but so happy for the blessing that was bestowed upon you during your union here on Earth with Tom. Please take the absolute best of care of you and yours.

The obit summed it up nicely. I got to know Tom when Tom, Fred Gromacki and I led the Clays for Crusaders fundraiser for CMH football and wrestling. A passionate man with a big heart. We often had a few drinks before a football game or after our boys had a (stressful) wrestling meet. Thoughts and prayers to the Schmitt family.

We are very sorry for your loss. Some of the best memories of my life are playing rugby with Tom. He was a passionate person with a warm heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

All the best. I'm deeply saddened. I'm sorry.

I am so very sorry for your loss. Even though the time that I shared with Tom was limited to a few times per year, for the past 10 years or so, I very much enjoyed our conversations. We would talk about everything from daily events to sporting events to the weather. He definitely was a unique individual and will be sorely missed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Linda, Tyler, Meaghan and Ashley, we are so sorry for the loss of Tom. Tom and I became immediate friends on the rugby pitch 30 years ago and kept in touch forever. I'm so glad I was able to see all of you at the last Vegas Sevens. Tom was in my wedding and looked dapper in his tux. He then stood on a table and sang and danced in his boxers at the reception. Everyone who ever played rugby with Tom welcomed him on the pitch. Everyone except for T.C., who was another flanker who looked just like Tom from behind. T.C. was constantly getting punched or stomped for something Tom had done. Tom just kept smiling. I loved Tom as a friend and teammate. I will always be remember him with a smile/smirk on his face.

Very sorry to hear of the passing away of Tom. His life was cut way to short. My thoughts and Prayers go out to the entire Family at this difficult time.

While looking for a business CPA, I was introduced to Tom through a friend. What started as a business evolved to a friendship. Tom's outgoing and outspoken personality made for a lot of laughs. He will be greatly missed.

We are truly going to miss Tom’s spunk and vigor at the Tri My Best events and other gatherings. He always knew how to work the crowd. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

My deepest condolences to all of Tom's family and friends. He was truly one of a kind, a very complex man with so many interests and passions. No one who spent any time with him will ever forget him. Rest in Peace.

I met Tom and his family in 2008. He helped me while I was doing my internship in Milwaukee when I was still a young french student. The whole family welcomed me as if I were their own son during three months. It was my first time in USA. I discovered a new culture and this man with such a big heart, who did everything he could so that I would feel like at home. Tom, Linda, Meaghan and Tyler changed my life for ever. I will never forget this 3 months. I never got another experience such as this one. It became truly my second family. Thank you Tom, I could never say thank you enough for what you have done for me. Thank you for your kindness, your warmth, the generosity of your heart and your mentorship for these 3-months internship. Rest in peace Tom and a big thought to Linda, Meaghan and Tyler. Romain

My thoughts go out to Tom's family and friends. Tom was a great CPA and contributor to his profession. I remember Tom being a no non-sense tell it like it is member of the WICPA public policy committee. We will miss Tom and thank him for all he did for our profession.

Sorry we will not be able to attend the services. We send our love and prayers. We will be out of town celebrating our 50th anniversary but we will keep the whole family in our thoughts. Tom will be sadly missed. Love to all. Jon & Pat

Tom and I dated for a while back in the 1980’s. Always a very nice guy. I am so sorry to see this sad news. Way too young to pass away.

I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and Prayers for you during this difficult time!!

You will be forever missed! You led an amazing life and I’m so proud and lucky to have had you as a friend. So many wonderful memories you gave all of us. I know you will always be here in our hearts and I sure do hope you show up from time to time:) Heaven gained a special person and I know you will keep on up there.... on we go! “Now cracks a noble heart.—Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!” -Shakespeare (Hamlet)

This is a fitting tribute to Tom. Please accept my sincere condolence to his family & friends with God's Abundant Blessings to ease the grief & sadness for those that loved him. May his soul rest in peace.

I extend my condolences to Linda, and Tom's children. I last saw Tom on the sidelines of a Barbarian's game in September of 2019. After sharing greetings, we talked for a while about getting older, and doing in gracefully. He said that he'd mellowed, and appreciated life in ways he'd not, as a young man. We agreed that living fully, every day, was our obligation. I've no doubt he did just that until he left us. With you, Tom.

It was an honor and a blast and sometimes a little bit scary sharing this life with you, dear Tom. Heaven just got more fun.

Linda - My most sincere condolences. I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing and I can only imagine the pain. Sending you my deepest condolences and the warmest hug possible from Spain. Tyler and Meaghan - Your Dad’s influence has been felt far and wide - as evidence by the fact that someone he coached for 3 years (MURFC) more than 20 years ago is writing you this. You two were literally newborns and toddlers when I last saw you but I send you my love from afar. Your dad was and is an amazing man. My most sincere condolences.