Lorraine A. Schmidt

Lorraine Schmidt, age 71, was unexpectedly called into the arms of her Lord on Wednesday morning, January 28, 2009. Lorraine was born in Hortonville on March 18, 1937, daughter of the late William Stephan and Florella (Defferding) Stephan. On February 20, 1957, she married Robert Schmidt, Sr. in Black Creek; he survives.

Lorraine dedicated her entire life to serving her Lord and the needs of others. For many years she volunteered her time for the AAA Pregnancy Counseling Center. She was a longtime and faithful member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Stephensville, and for the past twenty years at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Freedom, where she was active in the Ladies Aid, the hot lunch program, as a Sunday School teacher, and in other capacities as well. Lorraine will also be remembered for her work as a service associate at Appleton Medical Center. In her free time, Lorraine loved to play cards with family and friends.

Lorraine is survived by her mother: Florella Stephan, formerly of Black Creek; her husband: Robert Schmidt of Appleton; six children: Robert (Karen) Schmidt, Jr. of Black Creek; Robin (Randy) Ashman of Seymour; Rhonda (Scott) Mahnke of Appleton; Shelly (Bill) Henn of Appleton; Ryan (Bobbie Jo) Schmidt of Hortonville; and Gina (Travis) Van Straten of Hortonville; nineteen grandchildren: Sara (Chad) Scheibe, Andy Schmidt and his fiancée Melissa, Laura Schmidt, Casey Ashman, Calvin Ashman, Katrina Ashman and her fiancé Troy, Kyle Ashman, Tricia Mahnke, David Mahnke, Carter Mahnke, Chelsey Henn, Stephanie Henn, Tiffany Henn, Whitney Henn, Willie Henn, Dylan Schmidt, Avery Schmidt, Trevor Van Straten, and Trey Van Straten; two great-grandchildren: Calli and Logan Scheibe. Lorraine is also survived by a sister: Deloris (Ed) Chizek of Black Creek; a brother: Tom (Pat) Stephan of Kingman, Arizona; several brothers and sisters-in-law: Shirley Penner of Oneida; Deloris Schmidt of Shiocton; Don (Judy) Schmidt of Appleton; Audrey (Bob) Flunker of Appleton; Elaine Schmidt of Appleton; Ralph (Donna) Schmidt of Black Creek; and Judy (Milton) Pelky of Hortonville; and longtime family friends Larry (Susie) Young. Lorraine is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her father, an infant daughter: Rose Marie Schmidt; a grandson: Lucas Schmidt; brothers: Donald (Betsy) Stephan and William Stephan, Jr.; Bob's parents: Arthur and Hilda Schmidt; and brothers-in-law: Roger Schmidt, Ruben Schmidt, and Jack Schmidt.

The Christian Funeral for Lorraine will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at ST. PETER EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, N2749 French Road in Appleton with Rev. Tim Glende officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service. A memorial fund is being established in Lorraine's memory.

Lorraine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. While her unexpected passing causes us deep grief today, we know that she is in God's presence now, singing His praises for eternity.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920 739-1231