Elizabeth Mildred Schmidt, 99, of Wausau, passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at Applegate Terrace, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born on April 7, 1919 in Granite Heights, WI, (town of Texas) to the late Frank and Bessie Hanke. Elizabeth grew up and attended school in Wausau, graduating from Wausau High School.
She married Edwin Schmidt on December 25, 1941. Edwin was called to serve during World War II so they moved up their planned wedding to Christmas Day just before he was to be deployed. While he was stationed in the South Pacific for three years, Elizabeth worked as a Red Cross nurse’s aide and at Marathon Electric.
Later in life Edwin and Elizabeth enjoyed travelling; including trips to Europe and cruising. She was an accomplished seamstress and oil painter. She also had musical talent playing organ, harmonica, and she and her husband were members of Al Kiefer’s Fun Band.
Survivors include her children, Jeanne Geeraerts of Tempe, AZ, Robert (Lonna) Schmidt of Green Bay, and David (Susan) Schmidt of Gurnee, IL; grandchildren, Gary, Greg, Jason, Erik, and Andrew; brothers and sisters-in-law, Geri Hanke, Mary Schmidt, Albert (Liz) Schmidt, and George Schmidt; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Bessie; brothers and sisters, Bill (Lou) Hanke, Burton (Rosie) Hanke, Lester (Goldie) Hanke, Myrtle (Ralph) Hall, Gertie (Ray) Richart, Dudley (Maryann) Hanke, Russell Hanke, Frank (Buddy) Hanke, Patricia (Donald) Schmitz, and Glen Hanke; granddaughter, Cynthia Schmidt; son-in-law, Jeff Geeraerts; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Freida Schmidt, Bill Schmidt, Melvin (Ruth) Schmidt, and Sharon Schmidt. A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 30, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, 903 Third Street, Wausau, with Rev.
Jayneann McIntosh officiating. Family and friends may call on Sunday, July 29, beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, and on Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Entombment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, town of Texas.
You may sign the family guestbook at www. helke.com. The family requests memorials to V.F.W. Burns Post 388 or to First United Methodist Church, Wausau.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and management at Applegate Terrace Assisted Living, Applegate Reflections, and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Donations may be made to: Veterans of Foreign Wars – Burns Post #388 388 P.O. Box 388, Wasuau WI 54402 Tel: 1-715-842-0388 Email: vfw388@gmail.com Web: vfw388.com/donate/ First United Methodist Church 903 Third Street, Wausau WI 54403 Tel: 1-715-842-2201 Web: www.
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