Age 85, passed away on June 16, 2026.
Born on October 3, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin, Joe was the son of Alyosis B. (“Al”) Schmitt and Loretta Schmitt (née Marx). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Al P. Schmitt, a World War II Purple Heart recipient, and Donald (“Don”) Schmitt, a Captain with the City of Madison Fire Department.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Rosine Schmitt (née Lieu); his daughter, Lillian Mallinson (Jeff); and his cherished grandchildren, Evangelene and Paladin. He is also survived by extended family members and friends.
Joe graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Law School in 1965 and entered the United States Air Force that same year. He was stationed in Altus, Oklahoma, and served as a Captain in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. As Staff Judge Advocate at Binh Thuy Air Base in Can Tho, located in the Mekong Delta, he provided legal counsel during a pivotal period of the war. In recognition of his service during the Tet Offensive, he received the Bronze Star from both the United States Air Force and the Vietnam Air Force. Following his service in Vietnam, he was stationed at Soesterberg Air Base, Zeist, Holland from 1969 to 1972.
While serving in Vietnam, Joe met the love of his life, Rosine Lieu, who worked as a Vietnamese interpreter/claims examiner (VGS4) for the United States government. Their meeting began a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and devotion. They married in Holland before returning to Wisconsin and eventually settled in Mequon.
Professionally, Joe served as Assistant Chief Legal Counsel for Miller Brewing Company before opening a private law practice in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He practiced law with integrity and dedication until health conditions, including 100% disability with PTSD, related to his military service prevented him from continuing his work.
A devoted Roman Catholic, Joe was an active member of his parish and lived his faith through service to others. He was known for his dedication to family, country, profession, and church.
Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, attorney, veteran, and faithful servant of God. His life was marked by service, perseverance, and devotion to those he loved.
Funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W Mequon Road, Mequon. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of mass. A reception will follow in the church’s St. James Hall. Burial will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St, Union Grove, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Benedict the Moor Community Meal Program In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Benedict the Moor Community Meal Program (Capuchin Community Services).
https://www.capuchincommunityservices.org/donate/monetary-donations/
