LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Cedarburg, Wis—Charles “Chuck” Ernst Smittkamp, 85, of Port Washington, Wis., died surrounded by the love of his family, in the early hours of Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Lawlis Family Hospice.
A casual open house honoring his memory will be held between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave. in Cedarburg, Wis., on Sunday, July 14.
Mr. Smittkamp was born on Aug. 15, 1938, in Harbor Beach, Mich. to the late Charles and Thersa (Weber).
Survivors include his beloved wife, Mary; his children; Adam and Beth (Michael); his granddaughter Elowyn; his sister Barbara and many loving extended family members and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Kay and his angel grandbaby, Birdie Loraine.
Mr. Smittkamp was known best for his unmatched quick wit, his colorful sense of humor and his ability to bring positive energy anywhere he went, whether it be a Kautzer family Christmas party, the Saukville YMCA or the local diners and coffee shops where he enjoyed studying Russian and catching up with his buddies.
A life-long learner with a natural inclination to serve, he graduated Rufus King High School in Milwaukee after his family moved to Wisconsin earlier in his childhood.
In 1958, he joined the US Army where he served for four years as a missile officer.
He went on to earn his associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a law degree from LaSalle University in Illinois.
His unique combination of aptitude and friendly disposition earned him positions with companies including Harley Davidson, U.S. Steel and Caterpillar before he started his own consulting business, Quality Management Systems, Inc,. in the latter years of his career.
Mr. Smittkamp’s commitment to serve carried on through his tenure on the advisory boards for Portal Inc., and Lakeshore Technical College and as an adjunct instructor at MSOE. More notably, however, his desire to help others was most rewarding in 1966 when he stopped to help two young ladies stranded with a flat tire. One of those young ladies, Mary Kautzer, would soon after become his wife of 55 years.
His vast range of hobbies and interests throughout his life included racing cars and motorcycles, piloting small airplanes, studying tao quan do, and road tripping around the country with his bride riding in the passenger seat. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed reading, sketching and painting, Mary’s cooking, Andy Griffith reruns, long walks and even longer drives.
The family would like to thank the staff at Lawlis Family Hospice, for treating him with dignity and for the care and compassion shown to his family in their time of need.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Smittkamp’s name to MSOE Alumni Association, 1120 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI or to Portal Industries Inc, 1015 Cedar Creek Road, Grafton.
Online condolences at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.