Frank Wayne Schmitt

The son of the late Frank Joseph and Bernice (Amundsen) Schmitt, he was born on October 20, 1928, in Crystal Falls, MI. The family moved to Rexton, MI for his father’s job where he spent his early years. After elementary school, the family moved to Manistique, MI so he could attend high school. He graduated from Manistique High School in 1946. After high school, he moved to Escanaba and was employed by the Delta Hardware Company, which later became Morley Murphy. During this period, he joined the Michigan National Guard unit out of Escanaba where he served for 10 years. It was while working for Delta Hardware that he met Virginia Baribeau. They married on July 8, 1950. They had celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to her death.

In 1969, the couple bought the hardware store in Rapid River, which opened under their ownership in September of that year. They ran the Schmitt Hardware Store together until their retirement in 1995. In 1970, the couple relocated with their children to Rapid River. Frank was active in the community. He volunteered with the Masonville Volunteer Fire Department. He served two terms on the Rapid River School Board and served as President for a time. He was also an active member of the Calvary Lutheran Church.

In addition to his parents, Frank is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia and his dear friend Frances Flodin.

Frank is survived by his children: Nancy (James) Kaulbach of Pewaukee, WI, Joan (Daniel) DeMay of Gladstone, MI, David Schmitt of Rapid River, MI, and Paul Schmitt of Tucson, AZ; his grandchildren: Rebecca Gilligan of Waukesha, WI, Matthew (Melissa) Kaulbach of Watertown, WI, Peter Kaulbach of Waukesha, WI, Amy DeMay of Gladstone, MI, Samuel Schmitt of Tucson, AZ, and Jacob (Alexa Donley) Schmitt of Tucson, AZ. He was the beloved great grandpa to Devin, Autumn, and Gwendolyn Gilligan and Kyla, Anna, Mira, and Virginia Kaulbach.

Frank is further survived by his brother, John Schmitt of Rolla, MO his niece, Katherine (Mark) Brown of San Antonio, TX, nephew, Nicholas Brown of San Antonio, TX and many other nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 4:00 until 5:00 PM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 PM with Pastor Mike Markwell officiating. A luncheon will be served in the fellowship hall to follow. Frank will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Cemetery next to his beloved wife. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army in Escanaba or Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Schmitt family.