Darlene Schmitz

Darlene J. Schmitz, of Kronenwetter, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2019 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She was born on February 13, 1943 in Milwaukee, daughter of the late John and Babe (Olstad) Lehmann.  On June 25, 1960, she married Kurt Schmitz in Milwaukee.  He survives.

Darlene worked for Target Department Store for over 35 years, in several cities, most recently in Stevens Point.  She really enjoyed her work in customer service.  Darlene loved bargain shopping, playing cards – especially Bridge, and playing lottery and scratch off games.  She had a big heart, especially when it came to animals, and rescued many over the years – including a 30-year-old turtle and an 18-year-old goldfish that still reside at her home.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Kurt Schmitz of Kronenwetter; three daughters, Kris (Dennis) Graun of Wausau, Penny Uekert of Kronenwetter, and Tricia (David) Johnson of Weston; 14 grandchildren, Matthew (Ashley) Fons, Alex (Hannah) Anderson, Stefanie (Kevin Storey) Anderson, Sam (Hannah) Anderson, Bryon (Olivia Klemm) Graun, Christy Jacobson, Michelle (Keith) Stuttgen, Amanda (Eric Newes) Detert, Brooke (Josh Sammons) Detert, Jared (Alex) Graun, Brady Uekert, Sydney Uekert, Shea Johnson, and Gus Johnson; 13 great-grandchildren, Samantha Stuttgen, Maria Stuttgen, Ruari Fons, Jada Jacobson, Luke Pergalski, Christopher Stuttgen, Makayla Pergalski, Danielle Stuttgen, Mia Graun, Camron Storey, Kai Graun, Finnick Newes, and Margot Anderson; sisters-in-law, MaryAnn Biksacky of Milwaukee, and Collette Lehmann of West Bend; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughters, Yvonne Anderson and Stacy Schmitz, brother, Allen Lehmann, sister, Joyce Lehmann, and her mother and father-in-law, Kurtis and Lila Schmitz.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St., Schofield.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, with Rev. Raymond Connor officiating.  Visitation on Monday will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service.  A luncheon will follow the service, and then burial will take place at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter.  Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, Weston is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital oncology and palliative care, as well as Rev. Raymond Connor for his visits and prayers of comfort.

Memories and condolences may be given at brainardfuneral.com