Eleanor Schmitz

Eleanor “Ellie” Schmitz died peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at St. Paul Home under the loving care of the hospice staff. She had been ill for several years.

Ellie was born on August 9, 1928 to Hubert and Marie (Verstegen) Williams in Little Chute. She graduated from St. John's High School, Little Chute in 1946. On July 24, 1947 she was married to George Schmitz at St. Joseph Parsonage Church in Appleton. She retired from St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton where she worked as a dietary aide in 1989.

Ellie and family lived in the Town of Menasha, then retired to Moshawquit Lake in Keshena and spent winters in New Port Richey, Florida. Ellie loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren and family. Her Christmas cookies and apple pie were requested family favorites. She was an active member of the PROM (Permanent Resident of Moshawquit) group, where she developed many close friends. Ellie enjoyed camping, travel, boating, golfing, bowling and flower gardening.

Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Cindy (Randy Peelen) Schmitz, Plover; one son, Kurt (Carrie) Schmitz, Albertville Minnesota; four grandchildren, Tyler Peelen, Kirkland Washington, Tanner (fiancé Kayla Verstegen) Peelen, Kirkland Washington, Gracyn and Keller Schmitz, Albertville Minnesota; a sister, Eileen (Gene) Wehrman; a brother-in-law, Gene Schmitz; a nephew; David (Linda) Wehrman; a daughter in law, Mary Geiger; three step grandchildren, Matthew Schmaltz, Jayme Winkers, Rachael Kroll and their families. She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Schmitz and a niece, Deborah Hafferman.

The funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 10 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church (410 W. Lawrence St. Appleton) with Fr. Jim Leary OFM. CAP. officiating. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of services at the church. Entombment will be in the Highland Memorial Park.

A memorial fund has been established in Ellie's name.

The family would like to thank St. Paul Home and Hospice nurses, staff, and Sr. Delores for the kind and comforting care they provided to Ellie and her family. The family also thanks Dr. Ihde, Dr. Roselaar, Dr. Utrie, Dr. Ballard and their staff for everything they have done.

Wichmann Funeral Home
Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida St.
Menasha 831-9905