Jim “Red” M. Schmitt, 87, of Rickardsville, died Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, November 8, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for James Mathew Schmitt will be 10:30 am Monday, November 9, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville.  Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville.  Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #137 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Jim was born on December 29, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Mathew and Edna (Hannan) Schmitt. He graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1957. Upon graduation, he enlisted, and proudly served in the Iowa Army National Guard.  Following his service completion, he married Kathleen (Kay) M Cook on September 3, 1960 in Holy Cross, Iowa.

They made a home on their farm in Rickardsville where they raised a family making a lifetime of memories founded in faith and family. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Survivors include five children, Sue (Dale) Wilgenbusch; Amy (Ron) Moser; and Angie (Andy) Katrichis all of Rickardsville, John (Traci) Schmitt of Asbury, and Randy (Theresa) Schmitt of Sussex, WI; 12 grandchildren, Matt (Keesha) Wilgenbusch, Anna (Laith) Saadeh, Nick (Nicole) Wilgenbusch; Megan, Cal, and Allison Schmitt; Wesley and Morgan Schmitt; Kristina (Julian Rousch) Moser, Bella, Brady, and Connor Katrichis; 10 great-grandchildren;  and in-laws, Kathleen Schmitt, Andrew Ploessl, Janet (Richard) Schmitt,  Shirley (Art) Coleman, Ken Cook, Leo Oberbroeckling,  Linda (Jim) Markham, Dorothy (Chuck) Kane, Don (Cheryl) Cook, Steve (Paula) Cook, Tina (Kurt) Burbach, and Mary (Tom) Reeg.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kay in 2022; his parents, Mathew and Edna (Hannan) Schmitt; his in-laws Sabin and Lavena (Duster) Cook: two brothers, Paul and Robert; one sister, Mary Ploessl; and sisters-in-law, Bev Cook, Carolyn Oberbroeckling, Del Rose Schmitt

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

Jim’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their care and support.

A photo tribute and full obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.