Meyrl Emil Schmit

We celebrate and cherish the life and light of Meyrl Emil Schmit, who died peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026. Meyrl was born April 20, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to Emil and Audrey (Tarnowsky) Schmit.

Meyrl’s hearty laugh and brilliant smile remain forever in our memories and hearts. He lived with energy, enthusiasm, and faith. His life’s journey took him to the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Israel. During his long life, Meyrl brought his special light to countless people in so many ways. He was a son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, classmate, Catholic priest, husband, mentor, educator, volunteer, artist, baker, gardener, archeologist, and biblical scholar. He retired after 40 years of priestly ministry in Mississippi and Michigan and became an adjunct professor of World Religions at 2 community colleges in Illinois for 11 years.

Throughout his life, Meyrl loved his parents, sisters, and extended family deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Carol Norgard and Arlene Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, 2 nephews Jon (Amy) Norgard and Mark (Maryann) Johnson, 4 nieces Kimberly Ferro, Jennifer (Gary) Ebert, Jill (Greg) Heist, Courtney Heck (Rob Cunningham), 6 grandnieces, 5 grandnephews, and many cousins.

All services will be on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, 7321 E. State Road 67, Bryant, IN 47326. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Meyrl was a life-long learner who enjoyed reading for pleasure and professional development. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein, IL 60060 or online at https://www.fremontlibrary.org then click on “About Us,” then “Donate.”