My name is Kevin Schmidt and I was born and raised in Mukwonago, the son of George and Jan Schmidt.
I am a proud member of the Mukwonago Sons of the American Legion Post #375. I served as SAL Commander for 10 years.
I served on the Mukwonago area Salvation Army Board, helping to raise money to help those in need in the Mukwonago area.
I am a Christian and love the giving spirit of our church, LifePoint Church in Mukwonago.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My high school sweetheart, Darlene and I have been married for nearly 45 years. Our oldest son, Sean lives in Florida with his family, wife Angela and children Brenden, Madalyn, and Olivia. Our son Eric lives in Sugar Creek with his family, wife Keri and children Annabelle, Elizabeth, Lauren, and Thomas. Our daughter lives in Merton with her family, husband Keith and children Riley, Brady, Leah and Charlotte. Our youngest son, David lives in Florida with his wife Katie and his children, Julia and Abigail. Their youngest child, Jackson, passed away at 5 months old in 2009.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After 43 ½ years, I retired from the Village of Mukwonago Police Department. I started as a Police Cadet and rose through the ranks, retiring as Chief of Police. I loved helping people and giving back to the community. In retirement, I enjoy watching my grandchildren in sporting events, band and chorus concerts and any other activities they are participating in.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Sol de Mexico, David Alan Alan’s and Fork in the Road.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Mukwonago for 62 of my 63 years. I lived in Big Bend for 1 year. I worked in Mukwonago for over 51 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have met many interesting people. But one who stands out is Charles Dewey. He knew more about the history of the community than anyone else I met.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Norway and Germany. I would love to see the homeland of where my grandparents came from.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Two movies that I must watch when they are on are Kelly’s Heroes and Grumpy Old Men. My all-time favorite television show is the Andy Griffith Show.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind to others and be humble. Get involved in your community to make it a better place for everyone. And do not take things too seriously. Be able to laugh at yourself and try to put smiles on the faces of people you meet.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I always wanted to learn to play the guitar and piano.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love to listen to Boston, Classic Rock and Christian music.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
There are three former businesses that stand out to me. The first is Stoltz Pharmacy was the original Miller Pharmacy and was located on the Village Square in the current Won-A-Go Biking building. They had a lunch counter and the best malts. The other two are the A&W Root Beer stand that was on the corner of Main Street and Andrews Street, and Mohr’s Standard Station. As kids we would stop in and get a soda and talk with Mrs. Mohr. Then we would go behind the station and pet the horses in the pasture.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would say Clint Eastwood. I would love to hear stories from his time filming Kelly Heroes, Where Eagles Dare and some of the spaghetti western movies. We would go to Fork in The Road.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how we are willing to help when someone is in need.
Q: What have you done to make Mukwonago a better place?
I hope that in my career as a police officer, I helped to make Mukwonago a little safer for the citizens and visitors.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
God willing, I will still be living in the community and helping wherever I can.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
When at Mukwonago High School, I took Drama class with Mr. Heagle and had such a blast that I performed in many of the school plays and won the best supporting actor award one year.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Vermont in the fall.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is October because of the fall colors. My favorite holiday is Christmas. The best single day on the calendar is December 25th.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Being with family and friends, and an exceptionally good cigar with some Blanton’s Bourbon.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh cut grass and burning leaves
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
God, family and “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.
