Wilma Schmitz

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Wilma Elizabeth Schmitz, nee Laumbattus, 93, of Belleville, IL, born January 12, 1925, in Marissa, IL, passed away peacefully Monday, May 7, 2018, at St.Paul’s Home, Belleville, IL.

After graduating from high school in 1942, Wilma worked at Scott Field (SAFB) while her boyfriend, Ed was serving in Europe during WWII. Upon his return home, Ed and Wilma were married December 15, 1945.  In the early 1970’s she worked as a secretary for the First Baptist Church.  In 1973, she worked as a secretary at Lawton-Byrne-Bruner in St. Louis.  Returning to SAFB, Wilma worked in civil service in the ACD (Airlift Communications Division) in 1981. Then in 1984, she moved to the Realty Department of the Headquarters, Military Airlift Command (HQ MAC) Engineering Department.  She was chosen for this job because she was a licensed real estate salesperson and had worked 19 years with her husband, Ed, typing appraisals, legal descriptions and closing statements.  Wilma retired from SAFB in 1991.

Wilma was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ and loved the many friends she had at Trinity. While Wilma was busy raising six children, she was Brownie and Cub Scout Leader. She was PTA President for Jefferson and Roosevelt schools as well as PTA Council member and she helped organize the annual school picnics at Bellevue Park.

Wilma was an avid reader since her childhood when she loved to read the Horatio Alger novels.  She took a speed reading course in 1984 and she read so fast that she was constantly in search of more books to read. Wilma loved watching her St. Louis Cardinals, “Go Cards”.   She started coloring and painting late in life and her room was decorated with her “artwork”.  She also was awesome at crossword puzzles.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Edward George Schmitz who passed away December 18, 1992; her parents, William and Elizabeth, nee Keim, Laumbattus; three brothers, Frederick, Floyd, and Leslie Laumbattus; and two sisters, Erna Legendre and Evelyn Schwalb.

Surviving are three daughters, Nancy (David) Buckley of Swansea, IL,  Janice (William) Munden of Collinsville, IL,  and Barbra (John) Schlecht of Shiloh, IL; three sons, Jon (Janet) Schmitz of Pasadena, TX, Thomas (Amy Wilson) Schmitz of Lexington, KY, and Jay (Cindy) Schmitz of Brazil, IN;
12 grandchildren, Christopher (Gertrude Pannirselvam) Buckley, Megan Buckley, Bryan Munden, Jason (Cynthia) Munden, Nicole Munden, Melissa (Ray) Hill, Brittany (Austin) Baker,  Brandon Schmitz, Jeremy (Brendi) Glenn, Schuyler Scout Schmitz,  John Schlecht and Benjamin Schlecht;
Six great-grandchildren,  Vimal Buckley, Mackenna and Holden Munden, Chase Hill, and Leihden and Bryer Glenn.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Paul’s Home and Hospice of Southern Illinois for their loving care and support.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Church of Christ. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Cory Hartz officiating.

Burial will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

 

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2 Comments on Wilma Schmitz

Rebecca Ross-Krueger said : Guest Report May 15, 2018 at 11:46 PM

My heart saddens, yet feels so full of all the memories the Ross family shared with the Schmitz family throughout my childhood! My deepest sympathy to all of you! Rebecca Ross-Krueger

  • Nashville
  • IL
Karen Ross said : Guest Report May 15, 2018 at 6:34 PM

So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. So many fond memories of when we were neighbors! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Deepest sympathy, Dave and Karen Ross, Luella Loose

  • Belleville
  • IL

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