Catherine Schmitz

Catherine (Lehner) Schmitz of Bear Valley/Sauk City, age 92, died on August 3, 2024. She was faithfully, joyfully married for 71-plus years to Joseph N. Schmitz who died on April 29, 2024. Catherine is survived by children John (Jean Tretow-) Schmitz of Madison, Mary (Dan’s widow) Schmitz of Marshfield, David (Kathleen) Schmitz of Dodgeville, Mike (Cynthia) Schmitz of Oconomowoc, and Larry (Roseanne Drake-) Schmitz of Madison, 13 grandchildren Peter Schmitz, Maria (David) Gohdes, Nathan (Cassy) Schmitz, Megan (Sean) Fanning, Anica (Josh) Taggatz, Ben (Kari) Schmitz, Andrew Schmitz, Caleb (Monica) Schmitz, Leah (Mihai Gurau) Schmitz, Jenny Schmitz, Josh Schmitz, Erin Schmitz, and Mariya Schmitz; and 17 great grandchildren; 9 godchildren; 32 Schmitz/Lins nieces & nephews; sister-in-law Lindy Schmitz, a number of Schmitz, Lehner, Bissen & Pulvermacher relatives, and many friends and neighbors. A life-long, faith-filled and committed Catholic Christian, she was born 03/22/1932 to Alois and Catherine (Pulvermacher) Lehner. She was the last of her immediate family, and is now reunited with her husband, parents; 5 siblings: Marcella, John, Rosemary (Robert) Lins, Aloysius, and Larry. She is further united with her son Dan and infant son James. She was an excellent student. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Keyesville and was a proud member and president of the Ithaca High School Class of 1950. Her life’s trajectory took a sudden turn upon her brother John’s tragic death, when she abandoned her college dreams to stay and help her parents on the farm. Happily, it led to her falling in love with the strong, quiet young man who daily picked up their milk cans. Catherine and Joseph were married on September 23, 1952. They loved each other unconditionally for the rest of their days. Mom supported Dad’s hard work as a cheesemaker at Schmitz Cheese Factory while leading the charge in raising her 5, near perfect, yet humble sons. Catherine was fully committed to the love of God and the love of neighbor. She was adventurous and quick-witted. She would lovingly pray with, cook a meal for, visit or serve those in need. She was a faithful ministry leader over the years at St. Patrick’s in Loreto, St. Kilian’s in Bear Valley, St. Mary’s in Keyesville and with a Richland Center prayer group. She endured bleacher seats for many a son’s wrestling match and was inducted into the Ithaca High School Hall of Fame for Community Support. She treasured family time, including celebrating holidays with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thank you to everyone for your loving support of and friendship with Mom over the years. We especially appreciate the care of Maplewood in Sauk City, St. Croix Hospice, Fr. Nathan and Fr. Miguel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 9, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Keyesville, WI with visitation beginning at 9:30 am. Visitation will also be held at Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center on Thursday, August 8th from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Kilian’s Cemetery Association or Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (St. Mary’s) Catholic Church in Keyesville, WI. www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com .

Catherine Schmitz

March 22, 1932 - August 3, 2024