December 16, 1934 – February 23, 2026
Lawrence Joseph Schmitt, age 91, passed away on February 23, 2026. He was a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, moving there in 1961.
Larry was born in Sterling, CO, to Joseph and Rose Schmitt. He was the oldest of five children. He graduated from St. Anthony’s H.S. in Sterling, CO, in 1952. He received his BA degree from the Univ of N. Colorado in Greeley, in 1956.
Larry met his future wife, Gerry, while both were involved in summer sports in Sterling, CO, and they were later married on June 16, 1956. Together they raised 5 children.
Baseball was Larry’s passion throughout his school years and young adult life. He played semi-pro baseball in the area.
After his college graduation, Larry started his mathematics teaching career at Haxtun Union H.S. and as a coach of all Junior High sports. After five years in Haxtun he was awarded and accepted a National Foundation Grant to update his math and science background at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque where he earned his Masters of Education in Science in 1961. He then accepted teaching positions in Colorado Springs: three years at Wasson H.S.; then his assignment at newly opened Mitchell H.S. in 1965 until retirement in 1996. He was the Math Dept. Chairman at Mitchell H.S. for 13 years.
Larry cherished the many family gatherings on holidays and summer outings. He was a loving father who valued being with family and was proud of his children.
Larry, his wife Gerry, and the occasional other family members loved traveling, visiting all parts of the US including National Parks and Monuments. They traveled abroad, visiting many countries throughout the world. The travel included cruises and worldwide tours.
He was also a rock hound and over the years he collected many beautiful specimens by prospecting with family and friends, rock trading, and some opportunistic purchases. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends. He was a fan of all sports and enjoyed watching the Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Avalanche.
Larry is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gerry; his daughters: Cynthia Smith (Jim), Sheryl Armijo (Jim), and Ann Taylor (Clayton); sons, Kenneth Schmitt and Kerry Schmitt (Sherry); nine grandchildren: Jaclyn, Jimmy, Chris, Lynae, Nicole, Monica, Kristina, Brayden, and Reese; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; his sister, Jeanette Norris; and his brothers, Gary and Brian Schmitt. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald.
A private Catholic memorial service for family members will be held at The Shrine of Remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.