Donald L. Schmitt, 81, of Waterloo, died March 30, 2013, in Belleville.

He was born Sept. 5, 1931, in Waterloo, son of the late Peter and Marie (nee Koopman) Schmitt.

Schmitt earned his bachelor’s degree at Saint Louis University, and was a U.S. Army veteran. He joined the family grocery business, Schmitt’s IGA in Waterloo and Red Bud, in 1956, and operated the stores for 35 years.

He was a member of the Waterloo Lions Club (two years as president, one year as zone chairman) and Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of the Human Support Services Board of Directors. He chaired the Monroe County Public Building Commission for three years, and served two years as Ss. Peter & Paul School Board President. Schmitt was instrumental in the formation of the Porta Westfalica Festival, and helped organize the Khoury League Baseball Foundation (youth baseball league). He was a recipient of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Community Service Award in 2000.

Survivors include daughter Deanna (Gilbert L.) Birkner; grandchildren Danielle (Kyle) Doerr, Alexandra Birkner, Nicolette Birkner and Zachary Birkner; great-granddaughter Emelia Doerr; sister Marjorie (Casper) Beelman; sister-in-law Audrey Schmitt; along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Paul and Robert Schmitt, and sister Audrey Koesterer.
A Memorial Mass is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Waterloo, Father Osang Idagbo officiating.

Per his request, Schmitt’s body was donated to SLU School of Medicine.

Memorials may be made to Ss. Peter & Paul School or to the Waterloo Lions Club.