Donald A. Schmitz, age 87, of rural New Holstein, passed away Monday, March 22, 2021, at Ascension Calumet Hospital in Chilton following a struggle with cancer. He was born October 12, 1933, in the Town of Brothertown near Marytown to Clarence & Josephine (Halbach) Schmitz. Don graduated from School Hill. He enlisted in the US Air Force on October 23, 1951 and was honorably discharged on October 22, 1955. On May 28, 1956, he married Romilda "Millie" Schneider at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Jericho. Don started work at the former Hart Carter/Lauson Engines in New Holstein and at Plastic Engineering in Sheboygan for a few years before returning to Tecumseh Engines; retiring in 1996. When Don and his family lived in Sheboygan, he was a member of the Police Auxiliary. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in New Holstein, Holy Name Society, Catholic Financial, and the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Don was also a member of the New Holstein American Legion Post 124 and a charter member of the New Holstein Knights of Columbus Council 12393. Don is survived by his wife, Millie; his four sons, Patrick (Pamela) Schmitz of rural Chilton "Brothertown", Chuck Schmitz of rural Chilton "Charlesburg", John (Nancy) Schmitz of Waupaca, and Richard (Carol) Schmitz of Town of New Holstein; his six grandchildren, Zachary & Samuel Schmitz, Johanna (Josh) Bechlem, Tyler Schmitz, Cassandra Schmitz, and Nathan Schmitz; two great-grandchildren, Ella & Sophia Bechlem; his brothers and sisters, Shirley Wasmer, Mary Schmitz, Glenroy (Mar Jean "Mittie") Schmitz, Marvin Schmitz, Joan (Eugene) Scholz, Carol Joas, Le Roy Schmitz, Allen (Debbie) Schmitz, and Linda Wagner; his sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Anna Mae Schmitz, Germaine Mand, Dolores (Ronald) Reinl, Alphonse (Ella Mae) Schneider, Eddie Koenigs, Franklin (Virginia) Schneider, Evelyn Pavlicek. He is further survived by many nieces; nephews, other relatives, and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Donald Jr, his brothers & sister, Kenneth (Agnes) Schmitz, Janet Schmitz, and Gerald Schmitz. His father-in-law & mother-in-law, Bruno & Clara Schneider; His in-laws, Joe Wasmer, Bill Joas, Allan Wagner, Mar Jean Schmitz, Melvin (Dorothy) Schneider, Gilbert Mand, Marcelline (Ralph) Gundert, Mildred Koenigs, Marvin Muellenbach, Lou Pavlicek. A Liturgy Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1724 Madison Street New Holstein, WI 53061. Don will be laid to rest in the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Military Rites conducted by the New Holstein American Legion Post 124 and State Military Honors will take place at the church following the Mass. Visitation: Family and friends may call at the Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Avenue, New Holstein, WI 53061, on Saturday, March 27th from 9:00 AM until 12:15 PM when brief rites will be held. For further details, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.