Carolyn E. Schmidt's Obituary
Carolyn Elizabeth Schmidt, born to Frederick James and Trilby Marissa (Fountaine) Doyle at their home near Illinois City, Illinois on October 18, 1919, died peacefully at her home in Almond, Wisconsin of natural causes on April 17, 2016 at the age of 96 in the arms of her loving family.
Carolyn married Walter Schmidt on July 25, 1939 at "The Little Brown Church" in Iowa. They lived in Rock Island County, Illinois until they moved to Almond in 1952, and were the proud parents of 5 children. Together they were interior decorators/exterior painters, and in Almond, also farmed a 360-acre dairy farm. Carolyn worked at Burns' in Almond for many years and continued working with her husband. After by-pass surgery in 1979, she held various jobs. Walter and Carolyn were married for 58 years until Walter died on December 17, 1997. She was a member of the United Methodist Church since age 17, being a gifted prayer warrior. Some of her passions throughout her life were serving the Church, encouraging others, quilting, crocheting, dancing, golfing, bowling, hunting, fishing, tree-climbing, bird watching, horseshoes, and vegetable and flower gardening. She enjoyed her mini-trampoline, word-search puzzles, and playing board and card games with family and friends. Carolyn was proud to have been an escort driver for Senior Citizens for 7 years, and a Foster Grandparent with the Almond-Bancroft School District for 9 years (until age 92) with her daughter, Sonia, being the only "mother-daughter" team. She had a zest for life and loved her family immensely, taking care of them in the way only she could do. She was a powerful influence on generations, and will be greatly missed. Carolyn was pre-deceased by her parents, 6 brothers, 2 sisters, her husband, a daughter, Sonia, a grandson, Sam Morgan, and a granddaughter, Devan Schmidt.
Surviving Carolyn are her children, Maxine (Jim) Jannette, Jim (Carolyn) Schmidt, Pam Schmidt, and Randy Schmidt, as well as a brother-in-law, Frank Bridge, a sister-in-law, Ida Schmidt and a son-in-law, Clifford Morgan. She is further survived by grandchildren, Gary, Julie, Angel, Cindy, Lia, and Sylas, 15 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by other beloved family members, and a host of friends.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Almond United Methodist Church, Almond, with visitation one hour prior to services; refreshments to follow. Private inurnment will be at the East German Cemetery, Almond, at a later date. Thank you to the ADRC, CCCW, Recovery Health, and Ministry Health/Hospice Services, who did a tremendous job helping with Carolyn's needs, and to all family members and friends who took time to share their lives with Carolyn. Hardell-Holly Funeral Home of Almond is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences: www.hollyfuneralhome.com.
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