"I was priviledged to have been confirmed by Bishop Schmitt. I remember visiting with him as a student at Northern Michigan University and later as a member of the diocesan staff. I will fondly remember his great smile, humor and love for the Green Bay Packers. Rest in peace faithful servant of God!"
In loving memory of
MOST REV. MARK F. SCHMITT
February 14, 1923 - December 14, 2011
Most Rev. Mark Francis Schmitt, 88, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Marquette, died Wednesday afternoon, December 14, 2011 at Unity Hospice in De Pere, Wisconsin after a short illness.
Bishop Schmitt was born on February 14, 1923 in Algoma, Wisconsin, the fifth of eight children born to the late Charles Jerome and Anna (Netzer) Schmitt. He attended St. Mary's Elementary School in Algoma, the Salvatorian Seminary, St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, and completed his preparation for the priesthood at St. John Seminary and University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
Bishop Schmitt was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1948, by the late Bishop Stanislaus V. Bona, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Following his ordination Bishop Schmitt served as pastor in several parishes before being consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay on June 24, 1970. On May 8, 1978, Bishop Mark Schmitt was installed as the Tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette in St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette, Michigan, where he faithfully served the people for 14 years. He retired on November 11, 1992.
Bishop Schmitt is survived by one sister, Margaret "Marge" Schmitt of Green Bay, WI; a sister-in-law, Helen Schmitt of Kewaunee, WI; also many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death besides his parents were siblings, John (Marge) Schmitt, Katherine (Francis) Waldecker, Elizabeth (William) Eickelberg, Charles Schmitt, Ann (Donald) Berg, and James Schmitt.
The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit and Metropolitan of the Province of Detroit, will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. ET, in St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette, Michigan. Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample, Bishop of Marquette and Bishop James H. Garland, Bishop Emeritus of Marquette will concelebrate along with other attending bishops and priests. His Eminence, Edmund Cardinal Szoka, Emeritus Governor of Vatican City/State and His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida, Archbishop Emeritus of Detroit will also be in attendance. Deacons of the diocese will be present. The Rite of Committal will take place in the Cathedral Crypt immediately following Mass.
The body of Bishop Schmitt will be received in St. Peter Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. ET Monday by Bishop Alexander Sample, Bishop James Garland and clergy of the diocese. The body will lie in state in the Cathedral from 10:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. ET Monday. A rosary will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. ET and the Vigil Prayer Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Pallbearers, all priests of the Diocese of Marquette will be, Fr. John Shiverski, Fr. James Ziminski, Fr. Frank Lenz, Fr. John Longbucco, Fr. Rick Courier, and Fr. Christopher Gardiner. Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus from across the Upper Peninsula will act as honor guard and Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem will also be in attendance.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 22nd at 11:00 a.m. CT at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay with Most Rev. David Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay as celebrant and Bishop Robert Morneau as homilist.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Legacy of Faith Endowment Fund of the Diocese of Marquette, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 in Bishop Schmitt's memory.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home of Marquette is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Where can I begin to thank this amazing man for all he brought to our family, our life and to so many others? He was always such a force of faith in our times of need and otherwise. I felt honored to spend time with him on his final days. Bishop Mark, thank you for being such a great role model, friend, spiritual leader and uncle. We will miss you terribly but are with a grateful heart for all the years we had with you. Our love to you, Dad, Danny and all the family and friends who are now with you. Our loss is great but now Heaven's gain. God wanted you Home for Christmas. You will remain in our hearts always. Thanks for the memories and all the good times. I so appreciate your generous support for my Paws Parade of Hope fundraiser every year and believing in this event. Loving dogs as you did was something we shared. We will proudly carry on in your memory...until we meet again. XOXOXO"
"A true man of God, and an example for us all. Now reunited with "Dutchess". He will be missed."
"He will always be remembered for his kindness, his humility and his great sense of humor. I will miss you, my friend!"
"A wonderful bishop and a prince of a man. It will take him eternity to know of all the wonderful ways he touched so many lives. God bless you Bishop Schmitt for all of your many, many kindnesses. You will be missed."