Wilma (Grenke) Schmidt

Obituary

Wilma Schmidt was born on February 10, 1924, in McLeod County, to Charles and Emma (Haerdt) Grenke. She was baptized on March 24, 1924, by Pastor E. Kolbe and confirmed on June 21, 1936, by Pastor Alfred Streufert at First Lutheran Church in Glencoe. Wilma attended District 60 through eighth grade and graduated from Stevens Seminary in Glencoe in June 1942. At a dance in December of 1941, she met John Schmidt, sparking a connection that led to their marriage on December 13, 1942, at the First Lutheran parsonage by Pastor Alfred Streufert. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Paulette, and a son, Bradley.

While John was in the service, Wilma worked as a receptionist for Dr. A.M. Jensen in Brownton. In October 1945, after 27 months overseas (3 years and 2 months apart), John returned home, and Wilma immediately quit her job to prepare for their life together. Wilma then worked for five years at Green Giant in the canteen on the night shift, ten years at the Strutwear sewing factory, and twenty-eight years at Telex factory as lead lady in the headset department, later becoming lead lady in the repair department.

After retiring from Telex, Wilma did part-time volunteer work at Glencoe Regional Health Center in the beauty shop and served as a 4H and Girl Scout leader. Wilma was active in her church, Good Shepherd Lutheran, where she created many banners and served as a charter member of the Ladies Guild, holding positions as treasurer, vice president, altar guild, and serving many years as president and member of the funeral committee.

Wilma enjoyed quilting, crafting, crocheting, embroidery, and sewing, creating many clothes for her children and grandchildren and doing alterations for friends, including formal wear and weddings. She won many blue ribbons for her embroidery and quilting. Wilma loved cooking and baking, always ensuring her cookie jar was full. She cherished attending her children and grandchildren's programs and sporting events.

Wilma was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Blessed be her memory.

Wilma is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lynn Schmidt; her grandchildren, Gretchen (Jan) Haukos, Regan (Brad) Dose, Timothy (Michelle) Schmidt, Matthew Schmidt, and David (Shawna) Schmidt; and her great-grandchildren, Timothy Schmidt Jr., Emily Dose, Andrew Dose, Sophie Schmidt, and Sloane Schmidt.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, John Schmidt; children, Paulette Nitz and Bradley Schmidt; grandson, Jason Nitz; parents, Charles and Emma Grenke; and siblings, Elda, Herbert, Elvira, Raymond, Lorna, Evelyn, and Marlys.