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After 21 years at 5 EYEWITNES NEWS, anchor Joe Schmit is saying goodbye to become President of Petters Media and Marketing group. Viewers have been sharing stories about Joe Schmit with us all week...
Joe is my younger brother, but I've always looked up to him. My fondest memories were playing ball together. Be it in our back yard with a whiffle ball, or on the street with the neighbors, we always had fun. When we played Babe Ruth ball, and we would meet at the pitchers mound just before the game, Joe always had a joke to tell. We would all walk away from the huddle laughing out loud and the other teams would wonder what was going on. Joe relaxed us, and reminded us no matter the outcome of the game, we are here to have fun.
Because of Joe my wife and I are involved with Big Brothers / Big Sisters here in Phoenix, Az. Congratulations on your great career, and the best of luck on your new adventure. Love John, Heather, and Brett
John Schmit, Phoenix AZ
I met Joe about 18 years ago – I am the pilot of the blimp at Timberwolves games and met Joe the first year at the target Center. Over the years Joe has flown the blimp, and played with some of my other R/C toys that follow me to games from time to time. On one occasion I had a rather fast R/C car and I was driving it around the court, Joe was waiting for his "Live shot" and asked to try it out. He took the controller and made a few turns – and then drove it straight across the court and right into another TV sports guy, Joe looked right at him and smiled that big smile he has, everybody just laughed.
Even outside of Timberwolves games if Joe sees me, he says hi and asks how things are going.
At lease now I may still get to see him from time to time in a suite at games!!
Thanks Joe, It’s meeting people like you that make working at the games fun.
KJ Maas
As part of a school project in first grade in 1999 my son was supposed to write a letter to someone in hopes of getting a reply. Most of the students wrote letters to their grandparents, famous athletes, or even President Clinton. My son Eric had only one person he wanted to write to and that was Joe Schmit. His favorite day of the week was Sunday when he was allowed to stay up late to watch "Sports Wrap." Much to the delight of my son, Joe sent him an autographed picture and one of his business cards which he has proudly displayed in his room ever since.
In September he begins high school and he hopes to be a sports announcer or statistician in the future.
Cindy Krueger, Eagan
I always felt a special connection and always watched Joe Schmit do the sports because of something that happened a long time ago. Right after Norm Green moved the North Stars to Texas, he was giving an interview about something I don’t even remember anymore. They went from Joe’s reporting to the interview. I listened to what Norm Green was saying and said out loud to myself, "What a jerk!" They flashed back to Joe in the studio and he said, "He’s still a jerk." I thought that was the greatest and always made sure, from that day on, that I watched KSTP when I wanted to watch sports. He made you feel a certain loyalty to him because he was like a friend you wouldn’t mind hanging out with. I will miss him.
Wendy Taylor, Minneapolis
I met Joe when I was 9 yrs. old at Gillete Children's Hospital the day before I had surgery on my left hip my gradparents and I were around the corner from the front entrance my grandma ask me to come around the corner there was Joe I said its Joe Schmit he come over to me introduced himself to me I watched Joe since 3 or 4 yrs old anchor Sports now the News, I am 23 yrs. old now my favorite stories that Joe has covered 1987 World Series vs. Cardinals, 1991 World Series vs. Braves Joe covered tragic stories with the death of Kory Stringer during the 2001 Vikings Training Camp, this past March when Kirby Puckett suffered stroke died the next day Kirby's death really got to me I was Kirby Puckett fan before he was household name. I attend Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall I am majoring in Speech Communications Radio/TV I have knewn since I was 7 yrs. old I wanted to do something w/ Sports when grew up. I have Spastic Cerebral Palsy and Glaucoma since birth I don't know if I will be able to be Sports or Newscaster because of Glaucoma I to love sports I would love to be Announcer for Twins or Vikings someday. Good Luck Joe, that's Wrap.
Brandon Dack ,Clarkfield, MN
In 1990 our son Paul was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. While recovering from surgery at St. Paul Children’s Hospital; he was visited by a group of Minnesota North Stars including Bobby Smith. Through this encounter a friendship between Bobby and Paul was born. That was the year the North Stars made a run at the Stanley Cup, so hockey fever in the Minnesota was at its peak. Bobby invited the whole family to attend one of the Stanley Cup games and spend time with the players. It was certainly the thrill of a life time for a 10 year old hockey fan and his family.
In the following year Paul’s recovery allowed him to return to some semblance of normal childhood. He was able to go back to school and participated in youth hockey.
All through his recovery he was in constant contact with Bobby and his family.
Joe having herd about Bobby’s friendship with Paul, called us and asked if he could do a story about their connection. Joe wanted to show how professional athletes could have a positive influence on young people. Joe and the KSTP crew followed Paul and Bobby through several of their times together. One memorable event was a skating party with Paul’s hockey team and Bobby at the local arena. This was quite a thrill for a group of young boys to be able to play hockey with an NHL super star and have a camera crew there. Paul and Bobby’s story aired on Sports Wrap and a copy of the telecast has become a family treasure. We always refer to it as Paul’s video.
Joe and Paul also became friends, talking on the phone about hockey and other sports. Paul tries to connect with Joe every year at the KSTP State Fair booth.
Paul’s mother and I are convinced that Bobby Smith’s involvement with Paul helped to save his life.
Joe’s story of Paul and Bobby will remain a significant event in our lives and we would like to thank him for that.
Good luck Joe we will miss watching you on KSTP.
Gary and Laurel Eagles
My memory of Joe Schmit goes back nearly 30 years to when I was a young boy living in eastern Wisconsin. Joe was working for a Green Bay station reporting sports events and joined my dad (Barry Fredrich) and I for some fishing on Pigeon Lake in Clintonville Wisconsin. We caught a few nice fish for the camera including a large mouth bass which was later mounted and presented to Joe as an appreciation gift for providing the great memory.
Joe: My dad is still around and living in Shawano Wisconsin. He often asks if I still see you on TV. He really enjoyed doing the hunting and fishing stories with you and Ken Krause of WBAY. I am now nearly 40 years old living in Woodbury with my wife and two girls. We all wish you the best of luck in the future …… and thanks again for the memories.
Troy Fredrich, Woodbury
I have relocated due to my job and am disappointed to hear Joe is moving on. I had the pleasure of sitting with Joe during a "Big Brothers and Big Sisters" charitable event. I remember very vividly what a "regular" person he was and how funny he was. It was a pleasure to meet him and what a "spark" he added to the event. He will be missed.
Pat Saunders
Chicago, IL
Our fondest memories of Joe other than enjoying his newscasts are of seeing him in Two Harbors, MN during the towns Heritage Days Celebration in July. We got to see him during the Kiddie Parade one year when we believe his children were entered in the parade. I remember my husband saying "Look, look it's Joe Schmidt." The way he acted you would have thought he had just seen the President. It was such a joy to see him. Knowing he was on vacation, as we were, we just said hi and enjoyed the parade. And knowing how personable he is Joe smiled and said hi back.
Jim and Kathy Sirovy
Vicki Kuperus
Kandiyohi
I have always loved the way Joe came across, professional, honest and sincere and he was never shy to show his humorous side. I will miss seeing him on TV. I enjoyed seeing his smile, hearing him report the sports and then onto being an anchor. What a really wonderful human being! Joe, God bless you with your new employment, you’ll be greatly missed!! Thanks for your wonderful work, great dedication. Your new employers are lucky to have such a dedicated, knowledgeable employee. Many Thanks & Best of Luck,
Jena M. Olheiser
As part of a school project in first grade in 1999 my son was supposed to write a letter to someone in hopes of getting a reply. Most of the students wrote letters to their grandparents, famous athletes, or even President Clinton. My son Eric had only one person he wanted to write to and that was Joe Schmit. His favorite day of the week was Sunday when he was allowed to stay up late to watch "Sports Wrap". Much to the delight of my son, Joe sent him an autographed picture and one of his business cards which he has proudly displayed in his room ever since. In September he begins high school and he hopes to be a sports announcer or statistician in the future.
Cindy Krueger
Eagan
My husband and I will remember Joe as a caring newscaster who loved his job and it showed. Even while covering the death of his friend, Kirby Puckett, Joe was able to demonstrate the sincere caring and friendship he had with Kirby. Joe's humor was well placed and we looked forward to his funny comments during the newscast. We will miss you, Joe.
Adeline & Tony
North Mankato
Joe was a joy to watch. Even if you were not interested in sports, he certainly peaked your interest. No matter what he was reporting on Joe had your attention. He will be greatly missed. Good luck to you Joe on your new endeavors.
Gerri Wilfahrt
New Ulm
I am not much of a sports fan, but you made the sports news interesting with a great personal perspective. When you moved to other types of news, I was startled how good you were at it! You are funny and witty, putting a similar energy to the rest of the news that you did to the sports. Your humor even made the other newscasters' humor better. I like channel 5 news very much, but it just can't be the same without you. Best wishes. You have a lot to offer to the world of media!
Tom Lingbloom
I am going to be 23 years old soon. My favorite thing you have done for me was answer the questions that I had and you took the time to give the answer to me. You really meant allot to me Joe I have watched you for a long time. Thank you a lot for making my days good.
Mike Kramer
Passion is the reason for doing anything well. I had the honor of being one of the singers at his dear aunt's funeral a few years ago. Joe gave the talk during the service. The same passion he used then, is the same passion he has used with the news. Thank you so much for all you've brought to our community and beyond.
Clark Duhrkopf
Champlin
Joe is such and entertaining person, he is really funny and he is great at broadcasting. It seems like he loves his job. I will miss Joe!
Nathan Luke
We would like to say that we have long enjoyed watching a man who loved his profession. Once moved to the news anchor it was even better. We will be sorry, all of us KSTP fans, once he has left. We should also acknowledge his selfless energy for the time and benefit he has brought to our state with his support for Big Brothers and Sisters and many other personal appearances he made. Good luck Joe on your new adventure.
Chris and Dave Kirk
Coon Rapids
Joe, What a guy, he is the only person on the news that has been the same for years. I remember him doing sports since when I was little, and now the news. I cannot believe he is leaving Channel 5 news. He is the best newscaster ever!
Jayme
Greenwald
We are an older couple who have watched your news programming for years. We are very saddened to hear Joe is leaving. He was the perfect one to watch. He was honest in his feelings and displayed them in the proper manner. He worked from his heart. We loved all of his specials. It will be hard to watch this channel knowing he is no longer on. To Joe we will miss you, but hope and pray that your future is as blessed as you have made it for us. Thank you for being the perfect news and sports reporter.
Tom and Barb James
You’ve been one of the greatest mainstays on KSTP since I can remember and will always be remembered as the premiere sportscaster for Minnesota. You helped make all of us feel as if we were part of the team; whether you were talking to Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek, talking to Coach Tice after a long afternoon, or reporting a life cut short on Herb Brooks; you really had a way of personalizing the situation and showing the human side of our heroes. There are very few people in broadcasting that have that ability. Wishing you the very best in your next endeavor!
Nelson Rohn
Joe delivered the sports with such enthusiasm that I really looked forward to watching his report. He was precise and clear when he would do a story that it made you excited about that sport. He will be missed but good luck Joe with your new endeavor.
Jane Gaudette
Lakeville
I just have to say Thank You Joe for all the stories that you have brought to us, When I lived in Green Bay I used to watch you doing to sports and all the Games about the Packers. When you left I didn't think that I would see you doing the news again and when I moved to Minnesota 17 years ago I was shocked to see you on the news, It was like a part of my family came back. Thank You so much for all that you have done with the news, You will be missed very much. Wishing you all the best in your next adventure. Your loyal listener from Green Bay.
Barb
Ham Lake
I would just like to say that Joe will really be missed by a lot of people! He’s one of those guys that you feel like you really have gotten to know as a friend-just by watching him every night on the news. What a compliment to him that so many will be sorry to see him move on, but at the same time, wish him all the best in this new chapter in his life! Joe has done an awesome job at KSTP over the last 21 years and I’m sure he will continue to carry on his strong work ethic and “fun loving” spirit in his new job. He has a smile and twinkle in his eye every time you see him on the news, and you just don’t see that with everyone-you can tell he truly loved doing his job! Good luck, Joe!! You will absolutely be missed by more people than you realize-you’ve touched the hearts of people all over Minnesota!!!
Sue Simons
Pillager
My favorite memory of Joe was at the Fantasy Skills at the NHL All-Star exhibit at the Xcel Center. Joe asked me to stay and play against him on live TV when I was seven years old. We both shot pucks against a moving blow-up goalie. It was a lot of fun!
Brent Wallace
Cottage Grove
Hello. We are very sad to see Joe go. We have been watching Channel 5 news for over 15 years now. We had the pleasure of meeting Joe only recently (almost 2 years now) when Joe and Chris Claybourne came to Gillette Children's Speciality hospital intensive care unit. Our 2 month old baby was recovering after a cleft lip repair. Joe and Chris were so very nice!! We took pictures and Chris signed Viking pennants for both of our boys.
After they had gone we realized that our daughter who was to turn 12 and have her golden birthday that next month would be crushed that we didn’t get her a pennant. She was the only girl on the North Branch middle school football team and is a HUGE football fan. I emailed Joe and asked if it would be possible to get her a signed pennant.
He forwarded my request on to the Vikings person and right before her birthday a pennant arrived at our house signed by Daunte and Moss. Her two favorite Vikings!!! She was ecstatic!!!! We never told her that one might arrive so it was a wonderful surprise!!!
With all that Joe does in a day he took the time to answer my email and forwarded it on to someone that could respond to our request.
We will miss Joe's smiling face and his warm personality!! Please let him know that we wish him the best in the next adventure of his life. Take care!!
Kimberly & Michael Jinks
Stacy
Having worked with Joe not only at KSTP, but in another marker (KCRG in Cedar Rapids) my favorite story was of Joe emerging from beneath a manhole cover in Iowa and walking out of the manhole as part of his reporter’s stand-up to the bewilderment of those standing nearby on the street. Ask him about it. I’m sure he’ll remember.
Tom Garrison
Eagan
When I see Joe Schmit's picture or hear his voice I think of the tune "HOOK, LINE, and SINKER" that was at one time a week long segment to the news.
With all of the not so good stories that must be reported, and a few good ones, how pleasant it was to be interrupted with a update on "fishing", a fairly simple and innocent activity that helps define Minnesota. The sportscast from in front of the fireplace at Madden's prior to the "opener" is the stereotype of the May activity that every governor makes part of their platform. That tune will always be a golden oldie!
Dave Johnson
St. Peter
I got to meet Joe Schmit at the convention center for the boat convention there once. He was a very friendly person to talk to. My dad and I talked to him for a few minutes and he even gave me a piece of fishing tackle. I belive it was a flu flu. Watching him over the years though was great. Nobody in the metro covered the sports like Joe did and its going to be extremely tough to fill those shoes...
Allan Nelson
River Falls
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