Michael E. Schmal

Michael Edward Schmal departed this earthly life into the arms of his Heavenly Father Tuesday February 2, 2016. He was born into God’s Grace on October 7, 1948 to Edward and Mary Ann Weishaar Schmal. He was baptized in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on October 31, 1948 and confirmed in St. Peter's Lutheran Church on June 10, 1962. He is survived by his mother Mary Ann, his loving wife Jeanne, his children Michelle Czerwan (Chad) of West Salem, Matthew Schmal and Cally Guyer of Fond du Lac, Melissa Barton (Ryan) of Fond du Lac; his five beautiful grandchildren, Breanna, Domanic and Kenzington Schmal; Landon and Peyton Czerwan. He is further survived by his brother Daniel Schmal (Mary) of West Allis, WI, Sister-in-law Yvonne Hemauer (Michael deceased) of Wausau, WI, Lois Nett (Arlyn deceased) of Spencer, WI and Terese and Mark Koenigs of Malone, WI. In addition, he is survived by his much loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Michael was educated at St. Peter’s Lutheran School and Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnestota, and the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh where he graduated with a degree in Political Science.

Michael received his Gemological Training in Canada while employed with the Fox Jewelers chain of jewelry stores and kiosks in the Midwest, which began a long career in the retail jewelry business. He was named DeBeers National Diamond Salesperson of the Year. He opened his own jewelry store, Michael's Jewelers, at Cobblestone Square and later moved the store to an independent location on South Main Street. He owned and operated the store for many years and developed wonderful friendships with his devoted customers, who he greatly missed when he closed the store in 2005 after 31 years in the jewelry business. He then went on to become President and CEO of the Fond du Lac Convention and Visitors Bureau after serving many years on their Board of Directors. He was very active with his church, St. Peter’s Lutheran, where for a time he served in a simultaneous role of Church President and School Board President during several pastoral vacancies.

After his retirement from business, Michael remained busy with projects at home and in community service. He loved spending time with his faithful dog, Kara. He began his life of community service at the age of 17 with the Fond du Lac Jaycees, serving in many leadership roles and as Chairman of the Miss Fond du Lac Pageant. He also served as a Fond du Lac County Deputy where he developed a deep admiration for law enforcement. He served on the Fond du Lac City Council for nine years, including three terms as President. He was the driving force behind the Johnson Street corridor project, the Bulky Waste Pick-up, and other initiatives too numerous to mention. His only motivation with his service was to make Fond du Lac a better community then and in the future. He was a member of Fond du Lac Noon Rotary for many years.

Michael served as a Field Director for the Miss Wisconsin Pageant for many years, assisting local pageants throughout the State. He was currently serving on the Miss Wisconsin Board of Directors as President and Judges Chairman and was approaching his 50 year anniversary with the program. His mission was to provide Scholarships to the amazing young women of Wisconsin to further their education. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.



Visitation for Michael E. Schmal will be on Friday, February 5, 2016, from 4 to 7 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, and again on Saturday, the 6th from 10 to 12 Noon at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1600 S. Main Street, Fond du Lac. Funeral services and Celebration of Michael’s life will be at 12 Noon on Saturday. Rev. Matthew Guse and Rev. David Dolan will officiate. Cremation will follow the services. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com





The family would like to thank the Oshkosh Police and Sheriff’s Dept., First Responders, 911 Operator, and the emergency room staff at Aurora Medical Center for their kindness and concern. They would also like to thank Pastors Matthew Guse, David Dolan, Nathan Erickson and organist Phil Otto, whose organ playing Michael so much enjoyed.