Loretta M. Schmalz

Loretta M. Schmalz, formerly of Riverside Drive in Kaukauna, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2009, at the age of 98. Loretta was born August 26, 1910 in Freedom, daughter of the late Theodore and Lucy (McDaniel) Smits. On June 9, 1934, she married Leo H. Schmalz and the couple shared fifty-seven years together until his death on January 2, 1991.

Loretta graduated from Kaukauna High School, and attended Outagamie County Normal School. She then taught all eight grades in a one room school located in rural Ashwaubenon for five years.

Loretta had a great love of nature and grew a beautiful flower garden and dozens of violets, which she shared with her friends. She also loved to knit, sew and paint. Leo was active in the Elks, and Loretta was instrumental in forming the Elks' Ladies.

Loretta is survived by a son: Lee (Joanne) Schmalz and their children: Charlie (Dana Rose) Schmalz, Susie (Paul) Weber and Mark (Meredith) Schmalz; and a daughter: Luann (Tom) Christian and their children Julie Christian and Dan (Cori) Christian; two great-grandchildren: Shannon and Connor Schmalz. Loretta is also survived by a sister and three brothers: Dorothy Rebitz, Norval (Betty) Smits, Ken Smits, and Floyd Smits, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leo, sisters Angie (Bill) Brugman and Beatrice (Orville) Yingling and brothers Gerald (Eleanor) Smits and Theodore (Loyola) Smits; a brother-in-law Jim Rebitz, and a sister-in-law Judy Smits.

The funeral liturgy for Loretta will be held on Friday, March 13, 2009 at 5:00 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Tom Pomeroy officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Friday afternoon from 3:00 PM until the time of the service.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920 766 6200