William P. Schmitt Jr.

William P. Schmitt, Jr. was born to parents (Sheriff) William P. Schmitt, Sr. and Margaret (Ruth) Schmitt on 31 December, 1949 at Kenosha Memorial Hospital, where his former WWII U.S. Army Lt. RN Mother was presently Director of Nurses.  “Bill” received an emergency Baptism directly upon birth.

Growing up in the longtime Schmitt family historic house on 5^th Avenue, Bill could still easily name all the former prominent Kenosha leaders who lived, worked and helped shape the City into what we know today, who were on his boyhood neighborhood Kenosha News paper route.  He, himself, was featured in that paper as a boy of 11, who found and reported a stolen bicycle.  Unfazed by his success, he spent many free hours during his elementary school years at St. James the Apostle School sweeping floors, observing and listening to all the doings in the Sheriff’s Department as his Dad climbed the ladder in Law Enforcement work as a Detective and eventually a two-term Sheriff.  He entered the Junior Sheriff Cadet Program, where he excelled and was honored for his leadership abilities in his high  school years.   Also, while attending St. Joseph’s High School, he found time to serve on the stage crew, where he formed fond friendships that lasted all his life.  He was forever introducing former Sheriff Deputies and stage crew members, with plentiful detailed stories about each one.

Religion was quietly important to Bill.  From childhood through adulthood, until he no longer could, he was an Altar Server.  He encouraged many adult men to serve again, and helped train them, as well as form youth to serve reverently, with dignity, respecting the role they Liturgically were privileged to have.  Sensing a vocation to the Priesthood, after he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Arts and Science) at the University of Wisconsin Platteville, he began taking courses for the Priesthood from St. Francis Seminary in the Milwaukee Archdiocese.  Bill already was a licensed State of Wisconsin Detective, and his knowledgeable presence as one, was not welcomed in the Weakland/Sklba era.    The highest level at which he was granted to function was as a Pastoral Associate, the step below becoming an ordained Deacon.  Father Frederick A. Heuser, then Pastor of St. James, sought the assistance of the Bishop of Peoria, who gladly opened his Diocesan Seminary doors to Bill; however, Bill’s aging Father fell seriously ill , and although Bill’s Mother could provide necessary medical care, she needed Bill’s assistance.  Bill believed his duty was to obey the Fourth Commandment honoring his Father and Mother by assisting them in their need, and he watched his Priesthood Vocation close its doors.  He diligently served many long hours as Pastoral Associate at St. James the Apostle, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and St. Anthony of Padua Churches – all without compensation of any kind. He brought back detailed prescribed Liturgical practices to those Churches and would not allow any violation he could prevent by anyone under his watch. He used his Law Enforcement training and Detective skills towards reverence for God in His Domain.  Just a clearing of his throat would remind servers of the respect they owed.

Bill was a thoughtful man with a tender and compassionate heart.  He had observed how his Dad kept a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus always in his breast pocket before leaving for duty, and he saw his Dad protected from flying  bullets and in dangerous high speed chases, which terrified those who rode with him. He also observed how his Dad would tuck a few dollars into a prisoner’s hand before they were confined to a prison, so that they could purchase some confections as desired, and he helped the released prisoners find work once their terms were completed.  Bill was the same.  Many times he could have fired officers for infractions of duty, but his pastoral training would come forward to help the officers overcome personal or other causes of why they were happening.

Bill was recognized for and called by his fellow workers, “The Man of Detail.”  He could arrange an office for highest functioning.  He kept himself and all he possessed, squads included, in highest peak condition in every way possible. He strove to keep his character the same, and was deeply saddened when anyone would not maintain the Schmitt Corporatoin’s high standards.  It wasn’t just the name of the Company to him.  It was service to businesses, or clients that placed trust in the quality of workers hired and trained.

Bill didn’t simply take time to talk to his employees, but he would extend the Corporation’s resources to financially help them, if they needed.  He also backed them up with personal security check-ups and many hours of consistent, detailed persevering prayer.  He never hesitated to take an Officer’s place, if no one else could be found.  No position was beneath him.  

Bill was always studying, reading, observing.  He didn’t simply subscribe to journals or subscriptions, he thoroughly read and absorbed the material.  He had a near photographic memory for astounding detail, and he had an instinct for anyone deceiving him.  He had tremendous patience and knew when to confidently use it.  Although he taught self-defense and the use of firearms, I never saw him use either against anyone.  But – he was always prepared.

He had a deep affection and tenderness for all animals, in particular, smaller ones who would so often be subjects of abuse or neglect.  He always had a cocker spaniel and rescued many more, entrusting his rescues to good homes.  He blessed any canine he saw as he drove the streets.  He and his Dad, when his Dad was Sheriff, began the K9 program with a German Shepherd named Sam, trained at the Chicago Police Academy.  This was relatively new in that day and the Sheriff Deputies were not fond of dog hair in the squad, or giving up a unit for a dog on duty.  Sam proved invaluable many times, but the next Sheriff terminated and buried the program.  It was so buried, that the program was forgotten. But there are pictures of Sam on official duty. . .

The original Schmitt Security Corporation was founded as a family endeavor by Bill’s Dad, Mother, and himself from their family basement and then to the Schwartz Building in the public eye.  After 50 years, and many building moves as the Corporation expanded, Schmitt Investigations and Interests ended public visibility in the same Schwartz Building in Downtown Kenosha.

The Corporation had helped establish security programs and served some recognizable Company names:  Snap-On, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Gateway Technical College, Carthage College, and Uline to name a few.  The Corporation worked favorably, dependably with all Kenosha, State and Federal Law Enforcement.  Just to mention the name “Schmitt” meant dependability and trustworthy quality.

Bill traveled in roles of personal protector and unofficial ambassador for Kenosha, as I would be sent or invited to various Countries around the world.  He won respect and high regard wherever he went. His opinion was sought and valued.  He had a quiet command about him, that caused carefulness around him.  He was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities by the World Academy of Arts and Culture in Taiwan in 2010 for his many civic, religious, patriotic, humanitarian community and national involvements and leadership.

His stories, his hearty laugh, his compassionate heart, his reverent, respectful demeanor, his powerful prayers, tremendous historic knowledge, detailed writing, his unfailing friendship, his humble gratitude always expressed, his love of God, Church, Country, all of creation are greatly missed by very many. I am one of them.  Thank you, Bill, for living so well!

Mary Ann Lackovich

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations

3016 75^th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53142

262-653-0667

www.caseyfamilyoptions.com