Lois Schmitz, 93, formerly of Forestville, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Sept. 29, 2023.  She was born July 29, 1930, in Algoma to Lester and Isabelle (Fenske) Heidmann.

Lois graduated from Algoma High School.  While in high school, she was a cheerleader, cheering on her high school sweetheart Bud Schmitz who played on the basketball team.  On Feb. 3, 1951, they married and enjoyed 64 years together, raising seven children.  In addition to being a very busy homemaker, Lois did bookkeeping for Bud’s insurance business.

Lois was a long time and faithful member of Holy Name of Mary Church in Maplewood where she served as the church organist for over forty years.  She enjoyed extensive travel, participating in the Lois Club (a national club for people named Lois), card playing, laughter yoga, and knitting and giving away countless dishcloths that she made.  She was also a past member of the Homemakers Club and an active member of the YMCA well into her senior years.   She especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family dogs.

She is survived by seven children, Randy Schmitz, Laurie Dufek, Phil (Ann) Schmitz, Sue Schmitz (Galen DeNamur), Maureen (Jay) Bartley, Tim Schmitz, and Paula (Dave) Battermann; four grandchildren, Carrie (Craig) Nellis, Melissa (Mike) VanEss, Matt (Michelle) Dufek and Lucy (Brandon) Tousignant; great-grandchildren, Clay, Grace, Callie, and Clint Nellis; Katelyn, Kiana, and Cael VanEss; and Liam and Bentley Dufek; and sister-in-law Marlene Chike.

She was preceded in death by her husband, sisters, Carole (Bob) Storm, Vivian Heidmann, granddaughter Katie Dufek, and in-laws, Angela (Roy) Schmelzer, Doris (Bernie) Chaudoir, Ione (Oscar) Payette, Sr. Jane Francis, George (Dorothy) Schmitz Jr. and Ray Chike.

A mass of Christian burial will be conducted at Holy Name of Mary Church in Maplewood on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at 11:00 am.  Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of service.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to your favorite charity. Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.