Carol Schmitt

Carol Jean Schmitt, 80, Rock Dam, died at the Homeplace of Stanley on Saturday, June 26, 2021. A private celebration of life and interment will be held in July. Pastor Mark Schwinn of St. Joseph’s Hospice Service will officiate.

Carol was born on Dec. 27, 1940. She was the daughter of Hubert and Mary (nee Bauer) Menningen and sister to Ann Marie (Robert) Marszalkowski, all who preceded her in death. Carol attended Pius XI High School in Milwaukee. She married Robert L. “Bob” Illian on June 25, 1960, in West Allis, and they had two children together. In 1987, they retired to their “happy place”, their property and new home on Rock Dam Lake, Willard. There they thoroughly enjoyed lake life together with family and friends until her beloved Bob passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 21, 1999, at age 60. Years later, Carol was blessed to have David N. “Dave” Schmitt enter her life; they were married on Dec. 6, 2008, and resided at Rock Dam. They were fortunate to have spent two wonderful years traveling and enjoying life together before Alzheimer’s disease inflicted its hold on her. They especially were thankful for the trip they took to Germany to visit her extended family. Dave remained her loving husband, caregiver, and a source of major support for her until her death.

Carol is survived by two daughters: Karen (Rollin) Bryant of Rock Dam and Susan (Timothy) Zirnhelt of Wisconsin Rapids; six grandchildren: Jason (Crystal) Bryant, Kevin (Kassondra) Bryant, Cory Bryant, Shannon Zirnhelt, Daniel Zirnhelt, and Alison (Christopher) Stauner; five great-grandchildren: Tristan, Gideon, Jameson, Kaiden, and Korbean Bryant; and a niece, Julie (Gregg) Willis.

She was preceded in death by a nephew, James Marszalkowski.

Carol absolutely loved her life at the lake, enjoyed feeding and watching hummingbirds, and gardening. She was a huge lover of chocolate, ice cream, and bacon cheeseburgers! She enjoyed sewing and crafting in her younger years, and crocheting and needlepoint later in life. She will be missed immensely, loved, and cherished forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.

PAID OBITUARY 107250