Donald R. Schmitt

Donald R. Schmitt died peacefully on September 18, 2024, age 93.

Loving husband of Rose for 64 years. Warm hearted father of Christine (Daryl) Grubbs and Jacquelyn Schmitt. Kind and giving grandfather to Donald R. Grubbs. Further survived by his brother, Jim; his sister, Judy; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Bette.

Don was an avid car and racing enthusiast. In 1952 he competed at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He finished 8th in his class on the measured mile on the salt with an average speed of 100.67, in a 1939 Chevy Coupe.

In the 1950’s Don and a group of friends had a garage in Cudahy where they built Sprint cars. They called themselves Team Sezmajeb (Sincere Enthusiasts Zealously Modifiying Automobilists Justifiably Endeavoring to Better.)

Don bought a 1949 German Veritas and rebuilt the engine to a 318 Chevy V8. He ran the road course in the infield of the Milwaukee Mile at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in addition to other road races in the area. In 1958 he raced the Veritas at Daytona Beach on the sand, and set a record for the measured mile with a speed of 127.93 mph. The record still stands as that was the last year they raced on the beach. He was recognized as a Living Legend of Auto Racing by NASCAR.

Throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s Don owned Sprint cars and raced throughout the Midwest, some of the people that drove for Don were Harvey Konkel, Pedro Ruehl, Al Moldenauer, Clair Lawicki, Mel Cornett, Curley Boyd and Casey Jones.

Don served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, as an MP stationed at the Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific during Operation Castle Bravo H-Bomb testing.

Don was a 3rd generation family member to work at Wehr Steel Foundry as a layout supervisor. He worked there for 32 years, and then worked at Maynard Steel Foundry and Grede Foundry until his retirement.

On June 11, 1960 Don married Rose (Feuerstein). They had two daughters, Christine and Jacky.

Don was a long standing member of the Wisconsin Corvette Club, Badger State Vettes and the National Council of Corvette Clubs.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. Memorial Service at 11:30 AM followed by Military Honors.

A special thank you for everyone who cared for him.

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