Rosemary T. Schmit

Rosemary Theresa Schmit (nee Rickinger) was called to her eternal home surrounded by family for a joyful reunion Wednesday, February 11 at the age of 91. She was born on February 9, 1935, to Frank and Catherine Rickinger. She graduated from Pius XI High School and had a short banking career before meeting her future husband Gene at the Nightingale Ballroom that his parents owned.

Rosemary and Gene were married on November 3, 1956, at St. Dominic's Church. Together they raised three sons; Randy, Rick, and Robb. Rosemary was very involved behind the scenes of the family business; Schmit's Ballroom, Schmit Realty, Inc. and helped with the auctioneering business.

In addition to making sure her family was well cared for and loved, Rosemary was involved as President of Grafton Women's Club and served as secretary at St. Joseph's Parish School. She was a talented artist and enjoyed taking many art classes over the years. More recently she served as "Queen Mum" in her Red Hat Ladies Club, was a member of WOW (Women of Wisdom), and volunteered her services at St. Joseph's Parish on a regular basis. Rosemary was known for her kind heart and her fabulous style. She always looked "like a million' bucks". In her later years when she could no longer wear her stiletto heels, she made up for it with sequined canes and stylish walkers.

Nothing gave Rosemary more joy than her family. She was truly the heart of her home. She hosted many family gatherings where she made delicious meals and was especially known for her cheesecake. Her 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren had no doubt how loved they were.

Rosemary is survived by her son Rick (JoAnn), and daughters in law, Stacy and Conny. She is further survived by her grandsons, Tyler, Aaron (Alex), Andrew (Kaley), Matt and Nick Schmit (special friend Kalli) and her granddaughter Aly (Charlie) Radke. She leaves nine great grandchildren, her sisters in laws Bette Ott and JoAnn (Rich) Paulus and many nieces and nephews.

She will be joyfully reunited with her husband Gene and her sons Randy and Robb as well as her parents and brother Frank. She will be especially missed by her little dog Chili.

A special thank you to her caregiver, Luda, Prime Horizon, and Horizon Hospice for their loving care of Rosemary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity in remembrance of Rosemary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grafton on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The visitation will begin at 10:30 AM until 12:15 PM at the church. Following the mass, the burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.