Mary Ann Schmitt

In her 93rd wonderful year, Mary Schmitt passed away unexpectedly on October 25, 2025, while with family. Born on August 15, 1932, in Two Rivers, WI, Mary grew up in a close-knit family with two sisters, Ruth and Dorothy, and a brother Richard. She attended Sacred Heart School, graduated from Washington High School in 1950, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Upper Elementary Education with concentrations in English and History from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1954.

On August 22, 1953, Mary married her grade school sweetheart, Jim Schmitt. Their marriage was filled with love, celebrating their anniversary on the 22nd of every month and marking 657 months of marriage at the time of Jim’s passing. Mary continued these celebrations, reaching 866 months of love and remembrance. Together, Mary and Jim built a wonderful family, raising 11 children and welcoming 9 in-laws, 31 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, with 5 more great-grandchildren soon expected. After Jim’s death, Mary co-founded the Wisconsin Youth Harmony Festival, an annual high school barbershop contest. Winners hoist the Schmitt Brothers Trophy, chosen by Mary herself.

Mary and Jim shared an adventurous spirit. They loved traveling together, their adventures including China, Mexico, Ireland, England, France, Nova Scotia and many destinations across the United States. Every trip ended with many stories, new friendships, memorabilia, hand-written memories and a new labeled file in their file cabinet.

After raising her children, Mary followed her passion for education, teaching at St. Joseph’s in Kellnersville, St. Michael’s in Whitelaw, and Holy Cross in Mishicot for 15 years. Her classroom sparked curiosity, spirituality and laughter. Mary’s impact on her students was seen, as every weekend shopping trip included an excited hello and hug from a current or past student.

Mary created beautiful quilts. Her quilts were works of art and acts of love. Most meaningful of all, she crafted personalized quilts for each of her 31 grandchildren, gifting them to each grandchild after their high school graduation. Mary completed all 31 quilts and has 2 quilts hanging, awaiting the graduation of the last 2 grandchildren.

In 2016, Mary moved to Appleton, where she embraced a new chapter and quickly built meaningful friendships through book clubs, card clubs, piano lessons, countless parties and celebrations. Her new friends and neighbors became a source of the many amazing stories she shared with her children.

Mary’s greatest joys came from time spent with those close to her. Mary loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities including book clubs, music concerts, football games, hockey games, soccer games, volleyball games, track and cross-country meets, forensics tournaments, theater performances, school events, graduations, weddings and celebrations, or simply curling up with a child and a good book. Mary never missed an opportunity to attend the plethora of activities the children were involved in. Mary also shared her competitive spirit with her children, never missing to complete weekly football picks, March Madness bracket or Stanley Cup bracket. Mary truly loved her “catch-up” phone calls with her sister, Dorothy, and long-time friend, Helen, reminiscing and sharing laughter. Just a week before her passing, Mary flew to Nashville to walk down the aisle throwing rose petals in her grandson’s wedding procession.

Mary’s life was rooted in her Catholic faith. Being born on the Ascension of Mary and it being her namesake, Mary had a lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mother. She prayed the rosary every day and found much comfort in her devotion. Mary also attended daily virtual Mass presided by her son, Father Carl, and lit votive candles in prayer for those in need.

Mary is survived by her ten children and their spouses: Lorrin Runnoe, Ruth (Stephen) Wrolstad, Rev. Carl Schmitt, Jim (Dona) Schmitt, Bill Schmitt, Sara (Clark) Meyer, Tom (Pat) Schmitt, Rachel (Brian) Schauf, Tony Schmitt, Becky (Kevin) Jorgensen, and Leah (Zach) Timm. She is also survived by her 31 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; three children, Ellen, Bernard and Frances; two grandchildren, Monica and Eva; and two great-grandchildren, Adelaide and Stella.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Two Rivers, WI. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church and again on Tuesday from 9:30 to time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wisconsin Youth Harmony Festival - youthharmonyfest.org. After Jim’s death, Mary co-founded the Wisconsin Youth Harmony Festival, an annual high school barbershop contest. Winners raise the Schmitt Brothers trophy, which was chosen by Mary herself.